Scott county woman says unemployment system is a letdown

Scott county woman says unemployment system is a letdown

Says 37-thousand kentuckians who applied for unemployment benefits in march are still waiting for help...something he has vowed to resolve by the end of the week.

But some are now having trouble getting second payments... because they can't reach the state to check- in...which is a requirement.

Abc 36's monica harkins talked to a woman in scott county who says the unemployment system has been a let down.

"nat pop from calling unemployment" a voice many kentuckians have become familiar with.

"kim: it's been a very emotional experience."

Kim lalley would normally be substitute teaching in scott county...but with school closed...she's out of a job.

"monica voice: have you had to tap into your savings at this point?

Kim: i have zero savings at this point."

She says applying for unemployment wasn't that bad.

She got her first check in about three weeks...but her frustration peaked when she needed her second.

"it was a little crazy.

It took me 233 times to get through to the line, to be able to even do my bi- weekly request.

" that's not an exaggeration.

She counted.

To get that next payment...you have to check-in with the state...but how can you when no one answers?

Tuesday, i asked the governor about people like lalley who desperately need to keep getting their benefits.

"beshear: it's not acceptable that people have been waiting and haven't been paid, and again, i will take that responsibility.

I am the governor, it stops at me..it's a task that no state has ever faced, but we have to rise-up and be able to do it."

Lalley says she hears the governor acknowledging the problems...but what the state's doing to fix them isn't satisfactory.

"it's just the system for unemployment is the big letdown."

Lalley received her second check tuesday morning.

"i said, that's one relief, and then i'm like, oh my lord, i have to go through this again in two more weeks."

Waiting hours for a less than two minute automated call.

Nat pop from the phone call "makes you feel like you're not important.

I mean, considering that he said on the news he's ordered enough he's hired thousands and thousands of people.

To do this, unemployment, and you still can't get through to a person" and many people tell us when they do get in touch with someone that person just directs them to the website...can't offer help because they don't have experience...they've just been hired urgently to reduce people's wait times.

Lalley even says she watches governor beshear everyday at 5...and it's nothing personal against him, but it's serious business.

"kentuckians aren't being heard."

"nobody's gonna feel secure, including myself for years to come.

Nothing will ever be the same."