Unemployment system overwhelmed by users and new claims
OLYMPIA — The process was simple.
Log into your unemployment services account between Tuesday and Sept. 20 to certify you’re eligible for the Lost Wages Assistance program, which provides a $300 weekly boost to your unemployment benefit retroactive to the week ending Aug. 1.
On Sept. 21, the state Employment Security Department will start processing those payments.
But many Washingtonians spent the week worried that they won’t receive the up to $1,800 in back pay for which they qualify, or the money they’re already getting from the state agency.
They got messages saying the state needed more information from them — but didn’t say what it was. Or their claim for last week, normally paid by Wednesday, was still pending.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/unemployment-system-overwhelmed-by-users-and-new-claims/