LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Many Wisconsinites are struggling financially from the repercussions of the pandemic. And yesterday, in Governor Evers’ State of the State Address, he said it is widely known that Wisconsin’s unemployment system needs to be improved.
A local mom is caught in the backlog of the unemployment system, facing hard decisions while her money is still in limbo.
“My hours were reduced to 20 hours per week,” said Melissa Frost.
In May of 2020, Melissa Frost applied for unemployment benefits, seven months later her application was denied.
“Due to receiving social security disability,” said Frost.
She then applied for the pandemic response unemployment, which is money that comes from the CARES Act.
“And I’ve been told I just have to wait,” said Frost.
Struggling to pay bills, Frost decided to seek resources.
“I’d reached out to 211. which gave me some resources as far as helping pay my utility bills,” said Frost.
But Melissa’s situation is becoming dire.
“I have not found anything to help with a mortgage payment,” said Frost.
Frost has fallen behind on mortgage payments, and faces another difficult situation.
“Last Monday I received notice that if I did not put my house up for sale, they were going to start the foreclosure process because I had to defer my mortgage payment because I was unable to pay it,” said Frost.
Frost is not the only Wisconsinite facing issues with backlogged unemployment.
“Since March, the DWD received 8.8 million claims alone, 1.6 million more claims than the four previous years combined,” said Governor Tony Evers.
In his State of the State Address on Tuesday, Governor Evers said he sees the flaws in the system.
“Our unemployment system isn’t designed to handle the massive numbers of modern days,” said Evers.
In response, Evers has called a special session to work on fixing the Dept. of Workforce Development.
Frost says she appreciates Evers’ gesture, but says she doesn’t expect much.
“I’m sure they are sympathetic towards the ones that are still waiting but that doesn’t hold off the bill collectors,” said Frost.
After contacting the Department of Workforce Development over the backlog of Melissa’s application, and an official responded that they would be looking into her case. Melissa realizes the situation is dire. Her house is already on the market, and she plans to sell it by the end of the month.
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January 14, 2021 at 08:03AM
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La Crosse woman about to lose her home over long wait for unemployment benefits - News8000.com - WKBT
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