Kansas Unemployment Information Center Customer Service Issues

I lost my job due to the Coronavirus pandemic. My employment ended on March 21, [redacted], and I submitted my application for Unemployment Benefits online around March 22 or 23, [redacted]. After filling out the online form on the KS Unemployment Benefits Application website, I received this automated message: "Based on the information provided, we are unable to process your claim application online. Please reach out to the Unemployment Contact Center to file your claim by selecting option 2. You will answer basic questions using the telephone keypad. After this, your call will be directed to a claims specialist to assist further." Despite multiple attempts, I have been unable to reach anyone via phone. My last day of work was on March 21. I am a US Citizen who returned from Canada in May [redacted]. I began working in Wichita on October 28, [redacted], until my layoff on March 21, [redacted], due to the "Stay at Home" order. I am looking to register for unemployment benefits, including the Federal COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits under the CARES Act. If necessary, please contact me at [redacted].

I have been waiting for over 6 months for my PUA benefits to be issued to me. Finally, after struggling with fraud and identity verification, my claim is now complete. However, I have yet to receive any payments. Despite contacting the support team multiple times, all they say is that they will make a note in the system and have someone look into it. I'm frustrated and don't believe that this is the only solution. I am running out of time to resolve this issue, and I need assistance from someone higher up who can provide me with answers and help. - Stormy P.

Hello, my name is Lindsay D. and I am experiencing a frustrating problem with my PUA benefits payment. I received my initial unemployment benefit payment of $13,[redacted] on August 10, [redacted]. The day after, on August 11th, [redacted], my account was locked with a balance of $10,[redacted].10 that I am unable to access until now. My direct deposit was set up with CARD.COM, and they are requesting documents such as a pay stub or W-2 for verification to unlock my account. I am self-employed and do not have those documents. Even proof of my unemployment benefits was not accepted by CARD.COM. CARD.COM advised that I need the Kansas Unemployment Contact Center to request the remaining funds in my account to be sent back to the state. Then, I can arrange for the funds to be returned to my current account. I have been trying to contact the Kansas Unemployment Contact Center for over two months without success as all lines are continuously busy. I am hopeful that there is a solution to this issue. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

I have diligently completed all 10 forms to show my eligibility for unemployment, especially as a frontline healthcare worker in KS. Despite my efforts, I have struggled to reach customer service to address my concerns. The lack of communication is frustrating, as I feel disregarded and mistreated in this process. The current system, aimed at preventing fraud, has caused unnecessary hardship for innocent individuals like myself. If the situation does not improve, I am prepared to escalate my grievances directly to the appropriate authorities. It is essential to rectify these issues promptly to ensure fair treatment for frontline workers who have dedicated their time and effort to serve the community.

I need to communicate with a highly experienced specialist who can address various issues I am facing with my unemployment claim. Most of these issues are incorrect and possibly illegal. I am aware of what needs to be corrected, and I require someone who will handle the situation properly. These issues have been affecting my eligibility, which is why it is crucial to have them resolved. As a healthcare frontline worker, dealing with these problems and not receiving assistance or responses for months has been incredibly frustrating. I have tried reaching out to the unemployment office in Kansas to report my concerns about potential fraudulent activity with no success. It is essential to have someone competent assist me promptly.

I have filed for Unemployment Insurance (UI) and submitted my weekly claims for two weeks but have not received any payment yet. The representative I spoke with mentioned a possible fraud issue, which is not the case. I have been attempting to reach the Fraud Department but have had no success. I have emailed copies of my social security card and driver’s license, but I have not received any response. I am 75 years old and have had continuous employment since I was 17. I contracted Covid-19 while working for a service organization and also while at a nursing home. My last day of work was on 11-12, and it has been a significant period without any financial assistance. I am unsure why fraud is suspected in my case, and I have been unsuccessful in reaching a live person. I am not very knowledgeable about computers, so I prefer handling matters over the phone. Please provide assistance. Thank you.

I have been trying to call the Kansas Unemployment Center since 8 am sharp, and despite continuously redialing, it's now 10:20 am with still no answer. Last week, I was required to refile for regular UI, even though I am under PUA. After filing a new claim under UI, I am unable to claim a week under PUA on the drop-down menu, although I received a check last week without any monetary issues. I attempted to claim a week under regular UI, but it stated I am not entitled, which I was aware of. Previously receiving PUA, now it shows no weeks to file. I contacted the governor, who advised me to reapply, and after being transferred to PUA from UI, the call disconnected after 45 minutes on hold with Jason. This issue with my bi-weekly check has persisted since Labor Day, with alternating weeks of receiving and not receiving payments. It's frustrating, and I urgently need assistance to ensure I receive my check when expected, as I cannot go another week without it for rent and food expenses. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. Best regards, Andrew McG.

Every time I submit my weekly claim, a pop-up message appears saying "issue with weekly claim, call [redacted]". I've been trying to call for two months now and I make 20-50 calls every day, but the queue is always full. It's frustrating that there seems to be no way to resolve this. In March, I could get through when they had 20 employees, but now with [redacted], it's impossible. I'm experiencing financial hardship, and it's disheartening that I can't reach them. I've tried calling with my old phone since I don't do texts, but with no success. I'm feeling lost as there's no email contact provided, and my letters have gone unanswered as well. I simply want this issue fixed as I had no problems until the end of December, and nothing has changed. I'm 69 years old, with health concerns that prevent me from going back to work. I wonder if they can contact me if I can't call them. My number is [redacted]. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

I have made over [redacted] calls in the last 48 hours attempting to access my online unemployment account or reset my password, but have been unsuccessful without speaking to a human representative. Despite reaching out to the chatbot, I am directed to contact the unemployment office for assistance. Although I managed to speak with a representative two weeks ago to file my initial claim and reset my password, I continue to face login issues preventing me from filing weekly claims. Unfortunately, I am unable to file by phone as I did last year. Given that my family is struggling and I can only work 30 hours per week, we are falling behind on our $2,[redacted] monthly bills, including rent and electricity payments. Without access to my account, we risk losing our only working vehicle, as we are faced with choosing between making our car payment and purchasing food and propane for heating our house.

In November, I made an error on my weekly claim which led to me being disqualified for unemployment benefits. Following a discussion with a supervisor yesterday, my appeal has been processed, and I am now waiting 3-5 business days to receive the overdue payment. I have been attempting to contact the call center for nearly 2 hours with no success as the queue is full. Yesterday, I submitted 2 UI claims, but today I am unable to proceed due to an open view issue. Additionally, I am unable to log in to the new system. I am seeking a prompt call back this morning to expedite the release of my funds and potentially receive my back pay today.

I applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) last year and recently discovered that my submission was approved in January. Although I now assist others with unemployment services from home, I am still unsure about the timelines and specifics of benefit payments. Despite being able to file weekly claims for the weeks I was unemployed, I have not received any payments yet. I understand there have been delays in processing PUA and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) claims, but I expected my payments to be deposited within the usual 2-3 days after filing. I'm seeking clarification on when I can anticipate receiving my benefits. Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, Nicholas

I am currently experiencing difficulties accessing the website to file claims and contacting a representative due to busy call centers. It has been over three months since I last spoke with a representative, which is concerning as I rely on this assistance to survive. I am in a difficult situation without receiving unemployment benefits and feeling neglected by my state. Being seven months pregnant, struggling to buy food, and having unpaid bills, the lack of response is causing me to lose hope. Despite being unable to find employment due to my pregnancy, I am close to being homeless within a week. The fear of giving birth on the streets without medical coverage is overwhelming. If I don't receive help soon, I fear giving up on everything, including life. All I need is someone to talk to.

Hello, I understand the challenges you are facing due to missed payments. Four payments have been missed, impacting your well-being. Initially informed of a technical issue on January 31, you were expecting a payment which was not received. Similar issues arose on February 13 when attempting to file via phone, resulting in a suspension notice for the weeks of the 6th and 13th. Your attempts to seek assistance through chat or phone have been unsuccessful, as hold queues are consistently full. Despite trying during non-peak hours as suggested on the website, accessing assistance has proven difficult. With no current income, the savings from being out of work since October are diminishing. Your situation requires urgent help.

I submitted my application on 5/18/[redacted] and have received only part of the payment. Upon calling, I was informed of a paperwork issue. I received new paperwork, completed and returned it on 12/20. I am now informed there is still another form to complete. Despite numerous attempts, I have sent seven sets of paperwork since December and have not received any acknowledgment or new forms. I call weekly to inquire about the current status of my claim. What else is required from me? Your assistance is greatly appreciated. I understand the complexity of your role and do not envy it. Thank you for your support.

I have not received my payment since October last year, and I am in a dire situation. My water has been shut off, and I am on the verge of losing my house. My power bill has skyrocketed, and I desperately need my money to pay these bills. I am struggling constantly and if I lose my house, I will have nothing left to live for. The pandemic is not my fault, but I am paying a heavy price for it. I need to catch up, so please release my payment. My water will be shut off on the 17th, and my landlord, as it is a rent-to-own situation, also requires payment. I am running out of time, and I urge the authorities in Kansas to help me. My name is Dustin Hodgins, and I reside at [redacted] W 5th St, Pleasanton, KS [redacted]. My contact number is [redacted]. I am not a fake or fraud; I am a real person facing significant challenges.

I submitted my PUA application in April [redacted] using the new system provided. However, upon attempting to file weekly claims, the system indicates that I possess 2 accounts and that the claims have already been submitted. I am unable to access my account and uncertain if my application was approved or if there is fraudulent activity using my identity. One of the account numbers, [redacted], received a denial for unemployment benefits. Despite being informed by a representative that as a self-employed daycare owner, I qualify for PUA, when I log in, it shows my weekly claim as processed but marked "unentitled." I have supplied all necessary documentation along with the denial letter but have not received any updates on my PUA status. I am struggling to reach a live agent as the phone system repeatedly disconnects my calls. I am perplexed by the indication of two accounts when I am self-employed. I am seeking clarification on the status of my application and any resolution needed. Thank you, D.N., [redacted] (landline - [redacted]).

I was disqualified from receiving benefits two weeks ago because they claimed I didn't submit a work search resume. I uploaded it twice and created a job search account with Kansas Works as instructed, but I'm still suspended from receiving my benefits for the past two weeks. Despite calling customer service multiple times, they haven't been responsive. I'm facing significant financial hardship and struggling to afford basic necessities like food and shelter. I urge you to release my benefits for the past two weeks and remove the disqualifier from my profile, as I followed all the required steps. It's unfair to withhold assistance meant to help us survive. I desperately need a quick resolution and access to my money. It's distressing to be accused of wrongdoing when I have genuinely complied with all the rules.

I contracted covid twice in [redacted], resulting in health complications and emergency surgery. I applied for PUA unemployment but have not received any payments despite being hospitalized. I have since changed my contact information and address. I am frustrated and struggling financially, facing eviction and lack of basic necessities. I have been accused of fraud, but I am willing to verify my identity if needed. I provided accurate information from my employer Larry B. I urgently need assistance as my situation is dire. As a veteran and taxpayer, I am deeply disappointed in the system's failure to provide the support I am entitled to. I am seeking guidance on how to proceed as my patience wears thin.

I had been receiving PUA benefits until December [redacted]. Despite making 36 additional claims since then, none of them have been paid. Over the past 11 months, my status has changed from temporarily suspended to not entitled, and I have received conflicting messages when calling the unemployment hotline. Each time I inquire, the only response I get is that my account is under review and there is no further action I can take. Even speaking to a specialist didn't yield any positive outcome. The specialist mentioned my case was being reviewed, but when I was transferred, I ended up back at the same unemployment hotline with no resolution in sight. Now, when I call the specialist number, I hear a strange frequency sound, leading me nowhere.

Subject: Appeal for State of Kansas Labor Unemployment Benefits My name is Angeles M. Castorena, and I worked at Walmart with OSL Retail Services, selling wireless services for Sprint, AT&T, and Verizon. Due to COVID-19, I fell ill in May [redacted] after being exposed to the virus by a customer. Despite returning to work, I was let go due to ongoing health issues. I filed for unemployment in June [redacted], but encountered numerous issues with my benefits. Despite being told I qualify, I have not received proper assistance. I experienced hardships, losing my car, becoming homeless, and facing job loss during this time. I am appealing this decision as I believe I am entitled to the benefits. The situation has had a significant impact on me and my family, and I am seeking a prompt resolution. Employment History: - Health Ministries Clinic, Newton Kansas - OSL Retail Services, Newton Kansas