Organized crime rings have targeted state unemployment systems during the pandemic, seeking to steal money through fraudulent claims. And that’s a problem. But arguably a bigger problem is that some of the systems in place to prevent fraud have hurt millions of innocent people, keeping the benefits they deserve in limbo.
They’re people like Sevy Guasch, who lost his job as a food and beverage manager at a Marriott hotel near San Jose, Calif. In March, he applied for unemployment benefits. He went online, entered his information, and waited. And waited.
He couldn’t get through on the phone. After more than a month, Guasch was told to mail in more proof of his identity.
Read this story now for free
To continue reading, sign up for our newsletter and get unlimited access to WABE.org
You can select your preferences for news and local content. We will never share your email address. Learn how your newsletter sign-up will support WABE and Public Media
