Because of state budget cuts to the Office of Unemployment Compensation, many people who are unemployed can’t get help over the phone.
"People are calling 800 times, using two cellphones and they're not answering the phones at all,” said Nikki Hinterland.
The issue, in turn, is causing long lines at Pittsburgh-area unemployment centers.
"When I came down here, there were 50 people and (a worker) told me about a four-hour wait,” said Bob Wardinski.
Wardinski said he hasn’t received his unemployment check in several weeks and can’t get through to an unemployment call center to talk to someone.
"My eight kids are sitting at home starving and I can't pay my bills, my rent, nothing. Even to keep my cellphone on in case unemployment would call me back,” Wardinski said.
Officials at the Office of Unemployment Compensation said the situation is dire.
More than $50 million in funding cuts forced the agency to lay off nearly 600 employees, which left the Office of Unemployment Compensation with half the staff to answer calls. That’s why dozens of people are showing up at CareerLink offices throughout Allegheny County for help.
Unemployment Compensation officials said people should go to the website http://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx for step-by-step guides that answer many questions. The website also includes videos to help.
They said the only time a person needs to call the center and speak with a representative is if that person has lost their PIN, needs to report a new employer while continuing their current plan, or was specifically asked to call. Otherwise, people can accomplish everything online.
If a call is answered, officials encourage people to wait on hold. If a call isn’t taken by 4 p.m., officials said they guarantee the person will get a return call later that evening or the next morning.
Officials said when the state Senate reconvenes in a few weeks, lawmakers will address the situation. Until then, officials with the Office of Unemployment Compensation are asking for continued patience.