People Have Problems Filing For Unemployment Benefits
People Have Problems Filing For Unemployment Benefits Save Email Print
Posted: 12:17 PM Jan 6, 2009
Last Updated: 1:16 PM Jan 6, 2009

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Troubles continue to plague people across the state who are trying to get their unemployment benefits.

Our newsroom continues to be flooded with calls from viewers saying they are still unable to file for their benefits.

Many people have been trying since Sunday to access the state system, without any luck.

The state says the system is running slow due to the large number of people trying to access it. As more people lose their jobs in these tough economic times, it puts stress on the system already in place.

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Posted by: hey denise on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:51 PM
shut up already will ya!

Posted by: Denise Location: Kentucky on Jan 8, 2009 at 07:02 PM
OK... Jerry, if someone else paid for your insurance, it's still your insurance; paid in your name, for your benefit. Would you not use the inurance even though someone else paid the preminum for your benefit? I see absolutely nothing wrong or immoral about using UI. In this case, let's compare to company paid health or life insurance, if you get sick, would you still use your company provided health insurance? As a side note... When Ronald Regan was president, the ecomomy was booming and all Americans who wanted to work, could. Times are different now.

Posted by: ben Location: lex on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Well... Bubba got the reaction he was looking for. Don't feed the trolls people.

Posted by: Mary Location: KY on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:32 AM
This has gone from comments about people not being able to file for UI benefits to people commenting on a post by some guy or girl who calls themself Bubba. You people really aren't too bright are you? Bubba was able to side track you from the real meat of the story. Bubba is a freakin genius...LOL!

Posted by: Teacher Location: Georgetown on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Note to CJ: When somebody doesn't know the difference between their, there and they're, it is not a typo. Saying "sorry for your lost," versus "sorry for your loss" when commenting about a death is not a typo. Telling someone "that's a great ideal" is not a typo when the word is "idea." When someone types "your" and the word should be "you're" that is not a typo. Look at the post from "BIG A" a little farther down the page. His/her spelling of the Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s names is not a typo. What is a ragime? Do you get it now? Spelling errors versus typos are very different. Spelling errors make the writer appear stupid and in most cases, they are.

Posted by: Jerry Location: Lexington on Jan 8, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Denise: Your analogy has flaws. A person pays their own car insurance, not their boss or the company they work for. A company can or in some cases don't pay into UI which can affect benefits when needed. You need to come up with a better analogy. Personal insurance versus company provided (or company paid into) insurance is like comparing apples to oranges. And a note to CJ; typing errors are easy to identify. Most of the spelling errors on here are due to stupidity.

Posted by: Denise Location: Kentucky on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Hey Bubba, If you wrecked your car in the ice storm last week, would you call your local insurance agent and tell him you didn't want his handout to get your car fixed? Heck no! Because you've paid insurance (Or, I assume you do...) Well, my husband's company paid UI (which stands for Unemployment INSURANCE) This is paid in case he would ever loose his job, which he did after 18 plus years of his company paying INSURANCE on his job. He too is working two jobs to make ends meet and is still not making half of what he did before. Bubba, I'll pray for you, God knows you need it!

Posted by: CJ Location: ky on Jan 7, 2009 at 05:21 PM
You know, you guys should not put people down on their spelling. Most of the time it's typing errors. This should be comments about the story, not putting others down.

Posted by: wooley booger Location: knott co. on Jan 7, 2009 at 04:12 PM
Ronald Reagan called unemployment benefits "a paid vacation for loafers"....

Posted by: Needsajob Location: Lexington on Jan 7, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Bubba...unfortunately lying or hiding the truth about a college degree won't work for everyone. All of my previous jobs required a college degree so when i go apply for retail or something less skilled than I'm used to, they know by my previous employment that I'm educated and that I made way more money than they can ever pay me. The same thing goes for pay. If I apply for a job that's $8 an hour and my previous 3 jobs paid $20 an hour, do you really think the hiring manager will even call me? Nope. They just throw away the application or make excuses when you follow up. I've been unemployed for 3 months and have applied to 70, yes SEVENTY, jobs and have registered with 3 different temp agencies. Your suggestion for cutting off the internet is not exactly the smartest thing to do either. How are we supossed to look for jobs if we have no internet connection??

Posted by: mel Location: lex on Jan 7, 2009 at 03:20 PM
It doesn't come out of your paycheck, but your employer does pay it. You have to have worked to receive the benefits. A successful filing for unemployment results in that employer's UI payment being raised; thus they sometimes try hard not to have to pay unemployment.

Posted by: Allie Location: Lexington on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:42 PM
If you read the post by "E from Kentucky" it appears Bubba was right after all. I guess he knows more than you guys think he does. Who sounds stupid now?

Posted by: pete Location: kentucky on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:01 PM
This Bubba is nothing but a smart mouth kid that if he Works its parttime in a resturant If he had to really work it would kill him.I'd watch about bragging you may not have a job tomorrow.

Posted by: Bubba on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:47 PM
I lost my job because of NAFTA but am working two jobs and they weren't that hard to find is what I'm saying. I call it a handout because if you aren't willing to work anything, it's a handout and that is my opinion even though you paid into unemployment. Fred is right; I am not really a Bubba even though you all may think that now. I am college educated but I am working in two fields where a college education is not required. When I applied, I told them I was a high school graduate in order to get the job(s). Sometime you have to stretch the truth in order to get ahead. I didn't lie; I did graduate high school but they didn't need to know about my college education. I'm entitled to my opinion as are you. By the way, if we all agreed on everything this would be a boring world and this comment page wouldn't exist. I'm done; keep throwing things at me if you like as I can handle it.

Posted by: E Location: Kentucky on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Obviously a lot of people believe they pay into the unemployment fund. This is not the case. You may well be entitled to these benefits but a worker does NOT pay into the fund. The business owners and federal government pay into the fund and it does NOT come out of your paycheck.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 12:18 PM
You know Bubba, your not the only one out there bustin your hump to make ends meet. A whole lot of people have been laid off and it is not their fault. Think before you talk!

Posted by: Note to Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:04 AM
The words are 'you're' not 'your' and 'there's' not 'theirs' in the first line of your sentence. The grammar would still be terrible but that is as close as I could get to correcting your spelling. Now to the meat of your comment. How do you know Bubba's job doesn't compare to what your husband does? I may not agree with Bubba but you are passing judgement just as well.

Posted by: CITIZEN on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:21 AM
BUBBA IS AN IDOIT WE ALL AGREE. My mother lost her job due to NAFTA after 29 years of service to the factory. Yes, she is drawning unemployment. Yes, she has been putting in applications for employment. It is sad when the economy is so bad that you cannot even find a cleaning job. Bubba do not be judgemental because what goes around comes around. You need to pray for others and thank God you still have a job. I am sure those people in the unemployment line would love nothing more than a job right now.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Bubba, remember anytime your pointing fingers theirs 3 pointing back @ you. My husband is a pilot & he is drawing unemployment & I know whatever you may do doesn't compare to what he does. So the next step that you need to do is get on your hands and knees and thank GOD that you still have a job.

Posted by: Fred Location: Lexington on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Jeb is correct; let it go people. I'm guessing Bubba isn't really a Bubba but someone who just like to stir the pot to get a rise out of people. I'll bet he's ever smarter than you think he is but likes to see how people react to negativity. The good thing is he has proven (through your comments) that Kentuckians actually know that Unemployment Benefits ARE NOT a hand out like other programs and you actually pay into it. If you have never paid into it, you can't receive benefits. A lifetime welfare recipient CANNOT get unemployment benefits since they have never worked. Thanks Bubba, you made everybody else on here look smarter than any other story I have read on this site.

Posted by: WorkinLady Location: Pikeville on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Bubba, aparently next time you need to find out what umemployment benefits are before you knock the people trying to get them! I hope everyone who has worked their hands to the grindstone gets their benefits, it is their right to get them. I am not however, for the ones who work the system that I believe you were thinking of. Just like Crzy4coasters said, if you have a college degree you are overqualified for some things and they won't hire you and there's just nothing you can do. I don't care if I had to cut grass with scissors to make a living if that's what I had to do, that's what I'd do, but right now there just really aren't mass amounts of jobs to spread around. Be thankful you are able to have two jobs, and hope that the ones who need jobs can find them in time!

Posted by: Jeb Location: KY on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Why do you people insist on answering Bubba's rant? I have been posting on here for quite some time and can spot a trouble maker in a heart beat. Bubba only posted to get a rise out of people and you are feeding his ego. Let it go; you know you are right and he is a, well.....Bubba! I never needed unemployment benefits but if I ever do, I'll be the first in line since I know I paid my fair share to it. Let it go people; he'll disappear if you ignore him.

Posted by: Little A on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:13 AM
Hey BIG A: Learn to spell before you point fingers.

Posted by: Bubba on Jan 7, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Note to sky: maybe you can't "find" (not fine) a job because you can't spell. You applyed for help? Most people have "applied" for help. Get on me all you want - I am not taking a hand-out. To the lady whose husband needs a lung transplant; was he a smoker? Just curious. If you are over qualified for some jobs, don't tell them you have the college degree. You do what you can to get a job which sometimes means not flaunting your education. My biggest question is this...what are you all doing to cut back? Have you stopped the cable, internet, cell phones, etc? If not, that is where you start.

Posted by: laid off Location: ky on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:13 PM
Bubba, you are the reason all people think Kentuckians are idiots. I work for many years and paid for the unemployment I am receiving now. You have to pay this in to receive it when you no longer have work...IT IS NOT A HAND OUT...IT IS PAY BACK!!!!!! IDIOT

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:47 PM
I personally think that the whole unemployment system is messed up! I mean you can draw foodstamps and live off the government and not have to lift a finger but when it comes to drawing unemployment, money that you have worked for and paid in, you have to go out and have so many job contacts every two weeks and all this stuff! Does anyone else think that is completely crazy??? I mean if anyone needs to go and get job contacts to prove there trying to find a job it should be these people on free government money!!

Posted by: Lee Location: KY on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:55 PM
The problem is the UI system is overloaded because of the current economy coupled with a time of year when many businesses have shutdowns or layoffs. Reviews and investigations are necessary for many reasons, including federal regulations. A system of "contact them once and they'll keep sending you checks until you get back to them"? Please, no one hold your breath waiting for that. A common misconception is that this is a fund the employee pays into. Not true. UI is not a payroll deducted tax. It is paid by the employer. And Bubba, I hope for your sake you have as much job security as you have unknowlegable arrogance. No one wants to be unemployed. It's not a handout. It's not charity. It's a small amount to survive on until other employment can be secured.

Posted by: grumpy on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:50 PM
buba you say you are working two jobs give up one so someone eles can have one dont be greedyim sure some of the laid off people would take one of yours

Posted by: c Location: lex on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:38 PM
what is the website to sign up online for it? i didnt know you could...

Posted by: personal Location: ky on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:09 PM
it sounds like bubba has not been in a hardship yet.. give him a little while it will hit him like it has the rest of us..

Posted by: Anna Location: Paintsville on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Hey Bubba look out KARMA will come back and bite you on the [edited]. We onced had great jobs and then the economy took a bite out of everyone. Don't brag for you too could be in that Unemployment line and praying for food stamps.

Posted by: KYMOMMY on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:01 PM
I AGREE WITH HMMMMM...THE SYSTEM YOU HAVE TO GO THRU IS CRAZY!IVE BEEN TRYING FOR 2 DAYS AND STILL CANNOT GET THRU I CALLED THE OFFICE THEY SAY JUST KEEP CALLING.I THINK CALLING IN EVERY TWO WEEKS AND ANSWERING THE SAME QUESTIONS OVER AND OVER IS STUPID YOU SHOULD ONLY HAVE TO CALL WHEN YOUR INFORMATION CHANGES THEN WE WOULDNT HAVE THIS PROBLEM.I JUST HOPE THEY FIX IT QUICK!AND TO BUBBA THOSE TWO JOBS YOUR WORKING MAY NOT LAST FOREVER THEN YOULL BE STANDING IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT LINE LIKE THE REST OF US.AND ITS NOT FREE MONEY WE WORKED HARD TO GET THIS MONEY PAID IN!

Posted by: Bryan on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Yeah shut up Bubba. You know people who have worked are they only ones whocan recieve this money. Its not like welfare benifits dummy. I have worked all my life and was laid off , and now depend on UI until I can get a new career. Its not easy to find a job, and I would much rather be working than drawing, because you dont make a lot, just enough to make ends meet. I hope you lose your job, and get denied benifits, I bet you sit on your but and draw. Anyone can get on her and say I work two jobs. You know what i make 5000 a week lol I got my boots on because its sure getting deep. Get a life BUBBA

Posted by: BIG A Location: martin,ky on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:43 PM
BUBBA< you must be a republican like mitch mcconell! ky unemployment phone line was down till tues morning @9:am finally made mine thru phone line. I gess the BEASHERE AND MONGARDEO ragime will pays us ????????????????????????????? ICAN ONLY HOPE BROTHER GREG STUMBO TAKES OVER KY AND THE GOVENORS OFFICE . go greg!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Crzy4coasters on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:16 PM
Bubba...shut your trap. I have a college degree and work in the civillian side of law enforcement so not all of us are just looking for handouts. I had a 2nd job (in retail thank you very much) when I was laid off and right now it's my only job. Unfortunately they have very little hours to give out and I'm lucky unemployment helps me with the rest. Not everyone can just take any job. Some places won't even give me an interview because I'm overqualified and they know I will leave when I find something in my field. If I take on another minimum wage job...it still won't pay my bills and it leaves me no time to interview or find jobs that pay more. How do you suggest someone handle that since you obviously think you have the solution to everything.

Posted by: Crzy4coasters Location: Lexington on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:05 PM
The whole system is a joke. The news said it was available 24 hours. That's not true. If you are requesting a check the hours are limited to 7am to 7pm and only 3pm to 9pm on Sundays. I've been down there to the office and other unemployed workers say the phone system is a joke too. Even if you claim your check by phone it may not even go through. If you miss the deadline to claim a check because THEIR system is down...you won't be receiving a check. You have to go down and beg them to pay you. I had to do this and when I told them it was because their website was down that I missed the deadline...they acted like it was still my fault. Unemployment here should not be this stressful.

Posted by: Earl W. Location: Lexington on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:01 PM
I think that there is a problem with the system and its causing problems for ex-employed workers, but the problem with BUBBA is that he is not nearly the sharpest knife in the drawer, and has no clue what he is babblin about!!

Posted by: kw on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:58 PM
Luckily I got through at 7:00 on the dot this morning....online. Thank goodness for that!

Posted by: hmmm Location: richmond on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:55 PM
looks like to me they need to come up with a better system to handle this many people on unemployment. I thinks its ridiculous that you have to call every 2 weeks to begin with, it should be automatic that a check is sent out. You should only have to call once you find another job to cancel your unemployment. The state is making things so much harder than it has to be. It just shows you what idiots we have running/controlling this system.

Posted by: Max Location: Murray on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Don't blame one another. Bubba - you're fortunate to be working as am I. But the truth is that the fault belongs to our government. They know exactly what they are doing. Hang in there - get to know Christ. (hang on - gas prices going up!)

Posted by: sky Location: ky on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:07 PM
I agree "SHUT UP BUBBA". I lost my job in May still can't fine anything. I have had some interviews, either they offer no benefits or the pay is so low you can't pay your bills. My husband is needing a lung transplant, we need the extra benefits to pay for medical expenses. I have applyed for help, but they say we much to much money. "YA RIGHT". I hate not working, but you know what, if I had never worked we could get all that goverment help

Posted by: Darrell Location: ky on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:34 PM
What a terrible time for technical difficulties - Almost everyone I know has had a very lean Christmas and this crisis will only make hard times even tougher -

Posted by: dj Location: lawrenceburg on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:27 PM
To Bubba - It's not a handout - I paid into the system and have kids to care for. I take offense to your remarks as I'm sure many others do. The whole country is having a tough time right now and YOU should thank God for being able to find work. Do you really believe everyone who lost there job has an ego problem?? Grow up son.

Posted by: steph Location: ky on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:48 PM
SHUT UP BUBBA!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Sue Location: Ky on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:50 PM
A friend of mine has been trying to get her check since Dec. They sent her a letter saying she had no funds paid in even though she has always worked. (This was a temporary lay-off with call-back date). When she called Frankfort, they said the funds were showing, but had not been transferred to her account yet.

Posted by: Bubba Location: KY on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:36 PM
I'm not having any trouble filing for my Unemployment benefits...oh wait...that's because I am working two jobs to make ends meet and don't mind doing grunt work versus living off tax dollars and bankrupting the system. Jobs are out there folks; you just have to put you ego on hold and work in a job that you might not like but will pay your bills. Sell the Hummer and the Beemer, stop the high speed internet and cut off cable. Cook at home and quit eating out. You can make it without a handout!

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