To jobless, check not in the mail
Because of volume, recently unemployed waiting at least 6 weeks for first funds
By Katy Stech
The Post and Courier
Recently laid-off Jill Hoffman is having to live off credit cards until her first state unemployment check arrives.
Past story
Jobless payout: $10M a week; Worst unemployment rate in 15 years draining fund, published 09/20/08
These trying economic times have pushed many people to the edge of financial survival. For recently unemployed Jill Hoffman, relief has yet to come.
Hoffman, 58, who lives in West Ashley, was recently laid off as a receptionist at a North Charleston car dealership. She promptly filed for unemployment benefits through the state's Employment Security Commission, and she began applying for other jobs.
But six weeks have passed and her first unemployment check has yet to arrive, forcing her to live off high-interest credit cards. Her unemployment claim is stuck in a backlog of thousands that have caught the state employment agency that administers the benefits off-guard.
The long wait troubles Hoffman, who said she's concerned for her own financial security and for that of even poorer, recently unemployed workers who qualify for the benefits.
"It's a domino effect because a lot of people live paycheck to paycheck," she said. "When something trips this up, there's no cushion."
Staffers at the employment commission are now telling benefit applicants to expect a six- to eight-week wait before their first checks, which used to take less than two weeks to arrive.
More complicated cases could take even longer, said Allen Larson, the agency's deputy executive director of unemployment insurance.
Worsening economic conditions have led to fewer construction-industry jobs, a tightening in tourism spending and a string of layoffs at major manufacturers across the state. In August the state's unemployment rate hit 7.6 percent, the highest since 1993.
As a result, more South Carolina residents have filed for unemployment benefits, which allow them to collect money for up to 26 weeks. Those filings have more than doubled since last year.
"I don't want to make that as an excuse. We certainly understand that people need these funds, and we're absolutely sensitive to that issue," Larson said. "We're working overtime, Saturdays, Sundays — we're doing whatever we can to get these payments made quickly."
The commission has hired additional workers and reassigned others to help with the extra cases, Larson said.
It hasn't helped that commission workers have had to administer an extra 13 weeks of paychecks after President Bush extended the benefits this summer. South Carolina's fund doesn't pay for those extra weeks, but state workers have to keep track of those who collect them.
That additional work has added to the backlog, Larson said.
So many people are filing for and collecting benefits that the agency's unemployment-check fund might even run out of money by January, its executive director said last week.
The state fund, which has about $130 million in its reserves, has been paying out about $10 million a week in benefits. That's twice the typical payout, which could lead the fund to dry up by early next year.
Hoffman said she understands that she's one of many out-of-work residents who are requesting benefits. Still, she said the delays could lead to personal bankruptcies, foreclosures or other serious financial hardships.
"I don't know how the state can justify this," Hoffman said.
Joel Sawyer, spokesman for Gov. Mark Sanford, acknowledged that it is taking too long for the agency to send out the checks, but said the governor's office lacks the power to help. The Employment Security Commission is led by three commissioners appointed by the General Assembly, including former state lawmaker McKinley Washington Jr. of Ravenel.
"Hopefully when things settle down and the economic conditions change a bit, we'll be back on normal course," Washington said Thursday.
He added that the problem isn't systemic. Rather, it's a temporary but unfortunate result of the growing claims volume, he said.
Sen. Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said he had heard from one constituent about the problem but didn't realize it was so widespread. He then criticized the commission for being unprepared to handle an increase that he called cyclical.
"I really can't accept excuses for the backlog. They just need to work harder," he said. "A lot of those people might not be able to survive if they have to wait two months."
Reach Katy Stech at kstech@postandcourier.com or 937-5549.
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Comments
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
This unemployed population would have work if it were not for the damned illegals who are stealing Americans jobs!
September 26, 2008 at 4:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ForPnC (anonymous) says...
Though I have no idea, I'll dang near bet applications for welfare take less than two weeks.
If a person loses a job through no fault of their own and are actively looking for another job then they should be drawing unemployment immediately. All of us pay into this broken system but when we need the benefits, they're not there.
September 26, 2008 at 4:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sig (anonymous) says...
Another nightmare. My wife was laid off 3 weeks ago after 10 and a half years on the job. Great record and never missed a day of work. Gee wonder why we are dedicated to our employers if they are not dedicated to us in return. The unemployement folks did not say a word about a back-log and that she could expect a check 3 weeks after she applied. Which would be next week. Guess they are a bunch of liars also along with the elected officials. What did the unemployement commision do with all the funds when the unemployement rate was low? They still received the same amount of funds from the government and employers. I do not think that $326.00 per week per each eligible calculates to the numbers they receive. Nor can most folks live on the net amount received. That means anyone that is unemployed should apply for welfare also. At least you would get funds immediately from the DHHS crooks!
They are working overtime? Try making your state employees work hard during the week like the civilian world does?
I agree with ForPnC because I have saw it happen. Just do not try to find a job and become a welfare mom! Free medical, free apartment, food stamps and money if you can't pay your bills.
My wife and I have worked over 40 years to pay for all these systems that should be helping us. But, when you need them you get no help! Fire them all and get the other scum bags out of office!
September 26, 2008 at 5:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
strongjohn10856 (anonymous) says...
Billions for Wall Street and honest, working people can't get the benefits that they have paid for - typical! When will working people learn that Republicans are for the fat cats and big business and the rest of us can eat cake. Don't like the government - then change it - Vote this Novemeber for something deifferent.
September 26, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Right on PnC! Sig I don't know about the not becoming a welfare mom. That ain't a bad gig as you described it. And I tell you this I would be highly pissed off if I was laid off and had to wait in line behind illegals or bums that don't want to work and are just following the "look for work actively" rule.
September 26, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
sig - you have worked over forty years and you have not saved for a rainy day! That is your fault, not the government's.
Interesting how the Dems raised minimum wage and the unemployment rate sent up!
Life, Liberty, and Property - is that not right? Keep relying on the welfare state the dems have created and it will only get worse.
September 26, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Deborrah (anonymous) says...
If the unemployment claims workers were unemployment, I wonder if they would realize how the claims could have move faster.
September 26, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
ForPnC,
You are exactly right...not to mention that you're asking government workers to work harder? A lot of desk jockey government workers don't work fast. In fact, they purposely take their time, especially when they are salaried.
Been there, seen it.
IMO.
September 26, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Teach7775 (anonymous) says...
Would y'all please vote Democrat!!!
September 26, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
steve (anonymous) says...
outrage "sig - you have worked over forty years and you have not saved for a rainy day! That is your fault, not the government's."
I have to call bull poop on that assumption. There are many rainy days that make up 40 years. To claim that it's sig's fault without knowing his circumstances is just plain mean.
Our economy has been sliding since 2001. Our government has paid countless sums of money to companies like Halliburton for work that was below standard. Corporate leaders have been making millions by getting fired! Our Representatives have had no problem giving themselves raises. Maybe you're right... it's not the government's fault. It's ours - the voters who believe everything that is spewed in our direction. Flaming our hatred and contempt for our fellow man; while corporations and politicians pick our pockets - and our rainy day savings - and our IRAs, 401-Ks, Roth IRA's and SS funds.
Kick the bums out in '08. ALL OF THEM!!!!!
September 26, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
Teach7775 - I wonder why a teacher would vote Democrat.
September 26, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
Let me just straighten a few things out here.
NONE of you pay into unemployment. Your bosses do. Each company has an unemployment account with us. When one of their employees start drawing unemployment, the money comes from that business's account. The employer has to pay directly into this. YOU DO NOT PAY INTO IT. No one is entitled to unemployment benefits unless they lose their job through no fault of their own and are actively seeking employment and are able to work.
FYI-if most of the people who came in here weren't committing fraud, there would be more money.
September 26, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
outrage,
because Democrats work hard on behalf of the teachers.
September 26, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
sig:
"I do not think that $326.00 per week per each eligible calculates to the numbers they receive."
Not everyone receives the same amount. It goes by a percentage of what each individual actually MADE at their job.
So if John Doe was only making 80 bucks a week, he would only be getting a percentage of that for unemployment benefits.
September 26, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
I feel bad for a lot of people who are unemployed and are actually wanting to work. The ones who are sitting on their tookuses "seem" to have it a lot easier. That's the sickening part for me.
Sig, I hope your wife finds something soon and I hope y'all make it through these tough times. If she ever decides to do in home child care, let me know. ;-)
September 26, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
I can't even get unemployment, as I was freelance contractor, and to top it, clients have been delaying their payment.
oh, and banks are going to start issuing euros soon... hahahahah
September 26, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
spanker,
I would LOVE to work with all of those angry claimants but I do not work in that department, thanks.
I deal with the business end and fraud.
September 26, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
"All of us pay into this broken system but when we need the benefits, they're not there."
THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM IS FUNDED BY TAXES PAID BY EMPLOYERS ON BEHALF OF THEIR EMPLOYEES. MOST OF THESE TAXES ARE COLLECTED BY STATE GOVERNMENTS, BUT SOME ARE COLLECTED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. WHILE BOTH THE FEDERAL AND STATE TAXES ARE TECHNICALLY PAID BY EMPLOYERS (ALTHOUGH IN A FEW STATES, THE EMPLOYEE PAYS PART OF THE STATE TAX), ECONOMISTS GENERALLY REGARD THE TAX AS FALLING ON EMPLOYEES. THE THEORY BEHIND THIS IS THAT THE DOLLARS EMPLOYERS USE TO PAY THE TAX ARE PART OF OVERALL COMPENSATION COSTS, AND WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE GONE INTO EMPLOYEES' PAYCHECKS.
However none of your payroll deductions cover the costs of unemployment insurance.
I do agree however that it is patently unfair that a hard working individual who falls on hard times should not have to go through such extremes to receive temporary assistance. Especially when there are those who refuse to work and seemingly get help without hurdles.
"sig - you have worked over forty years and you have not saved for a rainy day! That is your fault, not the government's."
I somewhat agree with that statement. Americans are notorious for not saving. Conventional wisdom suggests that every family should have at least 6 months of expenses in a liquid account to help provide a cushion in the event of job-loss or catastrophic illness. Too many put too little away yet have cable, cell phones, go on vacation.
I'm not immune to an economic downturn, but if I lost my job today you better believe I have enough saved that waiting 2-4 months for an unemployment check will not make us homeless and I'm not wealthy strictly a middle-class working schmuck.
People need to re-evaluate their priorities and decide if they are willing to sacrifice & live frugally in order survive lean times. It doesn't matter if you make $10 or $100 an hour ANYONE CAN SAVE FOR A "RAINY DAY"!
That is why I'm totally against this financial bailout. I say let the businesses fail, plunge the economy into a strong recession and let's rebuild from the ground up.
September 26, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southrngrl (anonymous) says...
I filed a claim in August '07. I just received the benefits from unemployment today. I used my future retirement money to live on the 6 months I was unemployed. In the end only receiving benefits for half the time. Needless to say, though I am now employed my credit is down the toilet.
September 26, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
I find it very hard to believe that it took over a year to receive benefits.
September 26, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
southrngrl (anonymous) says...
Mariann0558,
I don't care what you believe. But, it's true.
September 26, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
It's easy for some people to say she should've saved more or I would've blah blah blah.This s a terrible situation.My friend came into town for a brief visit a few days ago.She went back to work last night,showed up and was told I'm sorry we are laying you off.She works at a hospital.She had only had the job 3 months and doesn't think she worked there long enough to even apply for unemployment.
September 26, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CHRISJIII (anonymous) says...
Republicans in control of government equals economic depression and stagnation.
September 26, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mon_Kie (anonymous) says...
Marianne,
I looked at all 588 (and counting) of your comments.
Not interested in reading your opinion, just noticing that you are on the computer at all hours of the workday.
No damn wonder there is such a long wait for folks to get their checks, you can't get much done on the job at this rate.
I am sending an email to the Employment Commission and to my State Representative asking them to investigate the amount of time their employees are wasting on the internet.
September 26, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sig (anonymous) says...
to outrage: Yes we have saved for a rainy day but that will run out in 3 months or so. As Steve said - there are many rainy days during your life. My wife was caught in another banking downsize of the little people while the CEO's continue to make the millions. They could have paid my wives annual salary and benefits on what one of the executives of this company used for travel in one month.
But we are going to continue to bail them out. Because we do not vote the bums out who continue to vote to spend our money. Whether it be for the banks, insurance, DHHS etc.
September 26, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Edwin435 (anonymous) says...
Its not just the republicans.....2 words for ya Jimmy Carter.
September 26, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
konphidence (anonymous) says...
PNC,
Ah i beg to differ. As a taxpayer we DO NOT Pay taxes for unemployment benefits. Your employer pay taxes to the state on the first 5K to 7K of your salary for each employee. Once again someone says something that sounds good and the troops files right behind without reviewing the situation from themselves. Well I agree these people should receive the benefits on time, it just the times we live in right now. Why do you think that squirrel in your backyard is hording all of the acorns during the fall. That's god's why of teaching the "humans" the value of saving for a lean harvest.
September 26, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Thnak you Jane for the link. I will gladly take a look at it. I certainly agree with your assessment of the situation.
September 26, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
konphidence (anonymous) says...
Thanks E, i complete went into blogging mode before I read your post. Great Job!!!!!
September 26, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Native son, get a clue.
Let's see we have a problem so we'll turn it into a political pissing match instead of trying to see what's going on. Typical.
Then Mon_kie tosses his dookie against the wall.
She has a job. The fine folks at the SCESC work hard. I did some work study there and those folks are inundated with claims. They put up with more crap from imbeciles like mon_kie but keep on smiling to get the claims processed as fast as possible. They work well past closing and before opening to get the claims in and issues resolved. The large influx of new claims has overwhelmed them. They are doing an admirable job considering what they deal with.
The employer pays into the fund. If your employer doesn't pay, than you are unfortunately unable to receive benefits. It all costs us because the money has to come from somewhere.
eyfig said:
"That is why I'm totally against this financial bailout. I say let the businesses fail, plunge the economy into a strong recession and let's rebuild from the ground up."
Amen
September 26, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
Thank you, gator.
Like I said before, I don't work in this area or that's what I would be doing.
September 26, 2008 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
Plus, if people didn't fraud the system so much, by working AND claiming benefits, there would be more money in there.
The more people that are receiving benefits, the more that cheat the system.
Most of the time, it's not OUR fault (as in the SCESC) the checks are taking so long to arrive.
A lot of factors come in to play.
Example 1: The employer has to approve the claim. If the employer doesn't approve, you get no benefits. If they take a while to approve, it takes more time.
September 26, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JDHawg (anonymous) says...
Marianne instead of posting comments shouldn't you be processing unemployment apps.
Posted by Marianne0558 on September 26, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let me just straighten a few things out here.
NONE of you pay into unemployment. Your bosses do. Each company has an unemployment account with us.
FYI-if most of the people who came in here weren't committing fraud, there would be more money
Posted by Marianne0558 on September 26, 2008 at 8:44 a.m.
Posted by Marianne0558 on September 26, 2008 at 9:17 a.m
Posted by Marianne0558 on September 26, 2008 at 9:54 a.m.
September 26, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JDHawg (anonymous) says...
Posted by Marianne0558 on September 26, 2008 at 11:28 a.m
Posted by Marianne0558 on September 26, 2008 at 11:35 a.m
September 26, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Marianne0558 (anonymous) says...
I would process unemployment applications IF THAT WAS MY JOB!
Like I've said numerous times, I DO NOT WORK FOR THAT DEPARTMENT. Who says I'm even at work today anyway?!?! Annual leave anyone?
September 26, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
Posted by NativeSon on September 26, 2008 at 4:17 a.m.
This unemployed population would have work if it were not for the damned illegals who are stealing Americans jobs!
The problem isn't the illegal workers, it's the people who hire them. If they didn't offer jobs they wouldn't come. You can't be angry at a person who wants to work for a living.
September 26, 2008 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
I think I want to be paid in Euros from now on, than Maybe I will be able to save for a Rainy Day.
September 26, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sig (anonymous) says...
For Marianne 0558: I did check and my wives employer has paid an average of $10,000 to the unemployment commission for the last 10 and a half years.
Hum, wonder where that over $100K went to.
And as I stated we have saved for a rainy day.
September 26, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sig (anonymous) says...
PSS for Marianne 0558: My wive lost her job through no fault of her own.
I do agree there is fraud in the system and there are people that milk the system. But there is fraud in every government program. I have reported fraud that was proven and it was swept under the carpet.
I still will report fraud whenever I see it.
September 26, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
Folks this is a consequence of the credit meltdown on Wall Street. Observe that it has been going longer than just 2 weeks. The State borrows money on the market to make the unemployment paymnets. When the economy turns around they pay it back with increased revenues. The credit markets have already slowed to the point where the State cannot borrow.
Wait until monday as the credit markets and Wall Street realize the Bush/ Paulson bailout is not going to pass.
September 26, 2008 at 1:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
orison, your right. Some of us are killing time. I am here in case a client calls and needs a us to send a temp. If they don't call we just sit and wait. WHY? You may ask. Because we have to be here for those we have working. The economy is bad so bad my husband is drawing unemployment and I can't put him to work.
I have employees who as why we can stay open when there is no work I explain the same to them. But if the hours don't meet the budget here Old granny will be on the employment line as well.
September 26, 2008 at 2:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
Email Print Text Size
Senate Republicans block economic stimulus bill
Associated Press - September 26, 2008 2:53 PM ET
WASHINGTON (AP) - Oklahoma Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn joined other Republicans in the Senate to blocked a plan by Democrats to pump $56 billion in government spending into the economy.
The vote was 52-42 for the bill with 60 votes needed to defeat a Republican filibuster.
Inhofe and Coburn were among 40 Republicans voting against the bill which called for funding public works projects, help for the jobless and money for states struggling with Medicaid bills.
It would have followed up on a bipartisan plan enacted this winter to try to boost the economy through tax rebate checks.
Democrats have pressed for a follow-up plan to extend unemployment benefits, boost food stamp payments and build infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, water and sewer projects and school repairs.
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
September 26, 2008 at 3:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
sig- Point taken. My point is that these programs never benefit those they are suppose to help. The fraud is rampid and unchecked, or not prosecuted.
You and your wife sound like hard working people, so I am certain you will land on your feet. Do not rely on the government my friend. They will not be there for you! Good Luck!
September 26, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BPFROM843 (anonymous) says...
george bush has set our country back 60 years and mccain will be even worse
September 26, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charleston1960 (anonymous) says...
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 12:44 p.m.
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 12:55 p.m
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 1:12 p.m.
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 1:25 p.m.
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 1:32 p.m.
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 1:43 p.m.
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 2:02 p.m.
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 2:30 p.m.
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 2:42 p.m.
Posted by Charleston1960 on September 26, 2008 at 3:12 p.m.
Please bear with me I am trying to work on my resume for the application to the unemployment office.
September 26, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dixechick77 (anonymous) says...
I have been unemployed since May this year. I was denied benefits by my ex-employer for 9 weeks due to my boss not reporting the complete truth of HOW my job ended. I have worked for over 11 years in Administration and Office Management. I was a Property Manager for my last company for 2 years. I was paid a small salary and received an on-site apartment... no charge. This may sound great, but the unemployment office doesn't count the extra "benefit" of living on site as part of my "income." So, that combination of pay and benefits that totalled $28,000 a year - they only counted $15,000 a year for actual salary... my measly check is $145.00 a week. I am a wife of a fireman who loves his job and his station,(but works at the lowest paying station in the lowcountry) - and a mother to 3 daughters. I went in for my eligibility review for SCESC and they counted up how many jobs I had applied for - 35. Thirty-five jobs and only 3 interviews. Do you know they only require you to search ONE TIME A WEEK!! What kind of crap is that? Pure laziness!!!! I am a college grad and very professional... the jobs are just not there. Even the staffing agency is scarce. I have interviewed with two departments at one staffing agency and still no jobs. What's a girl to do?
September 28, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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