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They Filed for Unemployment Last Month. They Haven’t Seen a Dime. They Filed for Unemployment Last Month. They Haven’t Seen a Dime.
(3 days later)
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has repeatedly promised to fix New York’s archaic unemployment-insurance system, which has been overwhelmed by an unprecedented wave of claims.Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has repeatedly promised to fix New York’s archaic unemployment-insurance system, which has been overwhelmed by an unprecedented wave of claims.
The state has teamed up with Google to overhaul the online application, added thousands of workers at call centers while expanded call-volume capacity, and vowed to address outstanding unemployment claims within 72 hours.The state has teamed up with Google to overhaul the online application, added thousands of workers at call centers while expanded call-volume capacity, and vowed to address outstanding unemployment claims within 72 hours.
Carly Keohane has yet to benefit from any of the improvements.Carly Keohane has yet to benefit from any of the improvements.
Ms. Keohane, who lost her waitressing job in Rochester, N.Y., has been waiting a month to receive $2,124 in unemployment payments as a direct deposit into her bank account.Ms. Keohane, who lost her waitressing job in Rochester, N.Y., has been waiting a month to receive $2,124 in unemployment payments as a direct deposit into her bank account.
But the state instead told her that the money had been deposited on a state-issued debit card, which she never received. She cannot reach anyone on the phone to find out where it is.But the state instead told her that the money had been deposited on a state-issued debit card, which she never received. She cannot reach anyone on the phone to find out where it is.
“I call the Department of Labor every single day, and I know the options by heart now,” said Ms. Keohane, 31, whose checking account was down to $10.35. “It would be OK if I just knew where the money was.”“I call the Department of Labor every single day, and I know the options by heart now,” said Ms. Keohane, 31, whose checking account was down to $10.35. “It would be OK if I just knew where the money was.”
As the coronavirus pandemic and near-nationwide stay-at-home orders exact an astonishing toll on the U.S. economy, state unemployment systems have cratered under a never-before-seen deluge of jobless claims. In the past four weeks, about 22 million workers filed jobless claims, including about 1.2 million New Yorkers.As the coronavirus pandemic and near-nationwide stay-at-home orders exact an astonishing toll on the U.S. economy, state unemployment systems have cratered under a never-before-seen deluge of jobless claims. In the past four weeks, about 22 million workers filed jobless claims, including about 1.2 million New Yorkers.
Unemployment systems, some of which rely on an antiquated computer programming language that has largely gone the way of dinosaurs, were not built for such a rush of claimants.Unemployment systems, some of which rely on an antiquated computer programming language that has largely gone the way of dinosaurs, were not built for such a rush of claimants.
They also were not built for a new class of workers — independent contractors and the self-employed — who are eligible for assistance during the outbreak.They also were not built for a new class of workers — independent contractors and the self-employed — who are eligible for assistance during the outbreak.
The results have been disastrous and maddening. Many people have had their online applications crash before they could hit submit, requiring them to start over from scratch. They have endured hourslong wait times over several days only to be randomly disconnected, or connected with representatives who say they cannot address their problems.The results have been disastrous and maddening. Many people have had their online applications crash before they could hit submit, requiring them to start over from scratch. They have endured hourslong wait times over several days only to be randomly disconnected, or connected with representatives who say they cannot address their problems.
In other states, including Kansas and Missouri, applicants say that they are still waiting for unemployment payments to arrive, and that they have experienced long wait times on the phone, as well as busy signals, disconnections and error-prone online applications.In other states, including Kansas and Missouri, applicants say that they are still waiting for unemployment payments to arrive, and that they have experienced long wait times on the phone, as well as busy signals, disconnections and error-prone online applications.
Without unemployment assistance, they have relied on friends, family and savings, if they have any, to survive.Without unemployment assistance, they have relied on friends, family and savings, if they have any, to survive.
For New York applicants lucky enough to get through and submit a claim, some have been jolted awake at 2 a.m. by calls from the state Labor Department seeking to confirm their identities.For New York applicants lucky enough to get through and submit a claim, some have been jolted awake at 2 a.m. by calls from the state Labor Department seeking to confirm their identities.
Speaking in Albany on Thursday, the secretary to the governor, Melissa DeRosa, said New York had been staggering under the weight of more than a million claims for unemployment insurance, about four times the number of people who lost jobs in the 2008 financial crisis.Speaking in Albany on Thursday, the secretary to the governor, Melissa DeRosa, said New York had been staggering under the weight of more than a million claims for unemployment insurance, about four times the number of people who lost jobs in the 2008 financial crisis.
“We are going to continue doing everything we can to bring the system up to deal with this scale,” she said.“We are going to continue doing everything we can to bring the system up to deal with this scale,” she said.
A Labor Department spokesman said on Friday that after the agency made changes to its unemployment system, including updating its application, its call center had made more than 470,000 follow-up calls to New Yorkers who had not submitted completed claims.A Labor Department spokesman said on Friday that after the agency made changes to its unemployment system, including updating its application, its call center had made more than 470,000 follow-up calls to New Yorkers who had not submitted completed claims.
Ms. Keohane was saving for a down payment on house. Instead, she has withdrawn all of her money to pay for groceries and diapers and wipes for her 2-year-old son.Ms. Keohane was saving for a down payment on house. Instead, she has withdrawn all of her money to pay for groceries and diapers and wipes for her 2-year-old son.
She has debated whether to get groceries from a food pantry but she cannot bring herself to do it.She has debated whether to get groceries from a food pantry but she cannot bring herself to do it.
“It’s not right for me to have to go there,” she said. “There are people who are more needy than me.”“It’s not right for me to have to go there,” she said. “There are people who are more needy than me.”
Amy Berryman, a playwright who was let go from a wine bar in Manhattan last month, has not received the debit card the state said it sent her weeks ago. Every week when she has to certify her unemployment claim, she asks that her payment be deposited into her bank account. It never has been.Amy Berryman, a playwright who was let go from a wine bar in Manhattan last month, has not received the debit card the state said it sent her weeks ago. Every week when she has to certify her unemployment claim, she asks that her payment be deposited into her bank account. It never has been.
“I’m trying to spend $50 a week or less,” said Ms. Berryman, 31, as she stood in line at a grocery store to buy fresh produce, which she has been using to make lots of soup.“I’m trying to spend $50 a week or less,” said Ms. Berryman, 31, as she stood in line at a grocery store to buy fresh produce, which she has been using to make lots of soup.
The $2.2 trillion federal stimulus that Congress passed last month set aside especially generous benefits for those who recently lost jobs: $600 a week on top of what states offer for unemployment. (The maximum weekly unemployment in New York is $504.)The $2.2 trillion federal stimulus that Congress passed last month set aside especially generous benefits for those who recently lost jobs: $600 a week on top of what states offer for unemployment. (The maximum weekly unemployment in New York is $504.)
But the stimulus has exacerbated the problem for states, which are now responsible for administering an enormous expansion of unemployment benefits for previously ineligible workers. For the first time, independent contractors and self-employed workers qualify for relief.But the stimulus has exacerbated the problem for states, which are now responsible for administering an enormous expansion of unemployment benefits for previously ineligible workers. For the first time, independent contractors and self-employed workers qualify for relief.
But in New York and other states, those workers are facing an extra set of head-scratching bureaucratic obstacles.But in New York and other states, those workers are facing an extra set of head-scratching bureaucratic obstacles.
Self-employed New Yorkers, for instance, must first apply for traditional unemployment benefits even though they are not eligible. Once the state denies their claim, they can then pursue the new pandemic-related benefits available to them.Self-employed New Yorkers, for instance, must first apply for traditional unemployment benefits even though they are not eligible. Once the state denies their claim, they can then pursue the new pandemic-related benefits available to them.
Jennifer Walsh, a self-employed hair stylist in upstate New York who stopped working on March 14, submitted her application more than two weeks ago. She is still waiting to be denied.Jennifer Walsh, a self-employed hair stylist in upstate New York who stopped working on March 14, submitted her application more than two weeks ago. She is still waiting to be denied.
“Why is this even a step?” said Ms. Walsh, who added that many of her friends in the hair business were in the same situation. “I understand this is a new process for everyone, but in the meantime we are broke and we have no answers.”“Why is this even a step?” said Ms. Walsh, who added that many of her friends in the hair business were in the same situation. “I understand this is a new process for everyone, but in the meantime we are broke and we have no answers.”
While she waits, Ms. Walsh has been using credit cards and her savings to buy food and pay bills. “That will only go so far,” she said.While she waits, Ms. Walsh has been using credit cards and her savings to buy food and pay bills. “That will only go so far,” she said.
Ms. DeRosa said on Thursday that roughly 275,000 New Yorkers still had outstanding unemployment claims, most of them self-employed, which requires additional paperwork and confirmation.Ms. DeRosa said on Thursday that roughly 275,000 New Yorkers still had outstanding unemployment claims, most of them self-employed, which requires additional paperwork and confirmation.
State officials said on Friday that the federal government was requiring New York State to confirm that those workers were not eligible for traditional unemployment before processing their claims for pandemic assistance. The state is working to create a single unemployment application for such workers.State officials said on Friday that the federal government was requiring New York State to confirm that those workers were not eligible for traditional unemployment before processing their claims for pandemic assistance. The state is working to create a single unemployment application for such workers.
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
But challenges with New York’s unemployment system are just the start of problems for many people who are out of work. More than a half-dozen New Yorkers who recently lost their jobs told The New York Times that they asked that unemployment payments be deposited in their checking accounts, but received debit cards instead.But challenges with New York’s unemployment system are just the start of problems for many people who are out of work. More than a half-dozen New Yorkers who recently lost their jobs told The New York Times that they asked that unemployment payments be deposited in their checking accounts, but received debit cards instead.
James Colón, who was let go from the Strand bookstore in Manhattan last month, received one of the cards, issued by Key Bank, a regional bank based in Cleveland. Its online banking system worked the first day, but now shows an error message when he tries to log on.James Colón, who was let go from the Strand bookstore in Manhattan last month, received one of the cards, issued by Key Bank, a regional bank based in Cleveland. Its online banking system worked the first day, but now shows an error message when he tries to log on.
Without access to Key Bank’s site, he cannot transfer the money into his checking account to pay May rent. No one at Key Bank has been able to resolve the problem, he said.Without access to Key Bank’s site, he cannot transfer the money into his checking account to pay May rent. No one at Key Bank has been able to resolve the problem, he said.
A Key Bank representative did not immediately respond to questions about its unemployment benefits card. Other states, including Washington and Indiana, also disperse unemployment assistance onto the bank’s cards.A Key Bank representative did not immediately respond to questions about its unemployment benefits card. Other states, including Washington and Indiana, also disperse unemployment assistance onto the bank’s cards.
The New York Labor Department had temporarily suspended direct deposit payments because of back-end problems, state officials said. During that period, the state issued the debit cards to ensure claimants received payments.The New York Labor Department had temporarily suspended direct deposit payments because of back-end problems, state officials said. During that period, the state issued the debit cards to ensure claimants received payments.
“This situation is entirely unacceptable — we expect all our contractors to responsibly and reliably deliver benefits for New Yorkers,” a Labor Department spokesman said. “We will ensure every single New Yorker who is entitled to unemployment benefits gets them.”“This situation is entirely unacceptable — we expect all our contractors to responsibly and reliably deliver benefits for New Yorkers,” a Labor Department spokesman said. “We will ensure every single New Yorker who is entitled to unemployment benefits gets them.”
Bobbie de Matos, who lost her job as a server at a table-tennis themed bar in Manhattan, received a Key Bank card, which she did not request. It also does not work.Bobbie de Matos, who lost her job as a server at a table-tennis themed bar in Manhattan, received a Key Bank card, which she did not request. It also does not work.
After calling the bank over many days, including holding for four hours on one call, Ms. de Matos said she finally reached a representative who told her that the card had not been assigned to her or anyone.After calling the bank over many days, including holding for four hours on one call, Ms. de Matos said she finally reached a representative who told her that the card had not been assigned to her or anyone.
She needed to ask the state’s Labor Department to fix the issue, the person told her. But the state said it was an error with the bank. A new card is supposed to arrive in the mail soon.She needed to ask the state’s Labor Department to fix the issue, the person told her. But the state said it was an error with the bank. A new card is supposed to arrive in the mail soon.
She is hoping everything will be cleared up by next Friday, when she is scheduled to move from Manhattan to Brooklyn and will need to pay the movers.She is hoping everything will be cleared up by next Friday, when she is scheduled to move from Manhattan to Brooklyn and will need to pay the movers.
“It’s a complete mess,” said Ms. de Matos, 23.“It’s a complete mess,” said Ms. de Matos, 23.
Long before the stay-at-home orders, Melvin Taylor II was let go from a production position in New York City. He received a Key Bank card in the mail late last year for his unemployment benefits.Long before the stay-at-home orders, Melvin Taylor II was let go from a production position in New York City. He received a Key Bank card in the mail late last year for his unemployment benefits.
Right as mass layoffs and furloughs began about a month ago, Key Bank alerted him that it had detected potential fraud on his card and automatically canceled it.Right as mass layoffs and furloughs began about a month ago, Key Bank alerted him that it had detected potential fraud on his card and automatically canceled it.
Mr. Taylor said he had not been able to reach a bank representative to order a replacement card.Mr. Taylor said he had not been able to reach a bank representative to order a replacement card.
“You’d be on the phone three hours, 59 minutes and 27 seconds, and then the phone would cut off,” Mr. Taylor said.“You’d be on the phone three hours, 59 minutes and 27 seconds, and then the phone would cut off,” Mr. Taylor said.
He has resorted to searching through coats and pants for loose change — he found about $20 — and has experimented with cheap and filling rice and pasta recipes.He has resorted to searching through coats and pants for loose change — he found about $20 — and has experimented with cheap and filling rice and pasta recipes.
“There are a lot of different spices that you can put in rice,” he said.“There are a lot of different spices that you can put in rice,” he said.
Jesse McKinley contributed reporting.Jesse McKinley contributed reporting.