INDIANAPOLIS — As a record number of Hoosiers continue to file for unemployment, the state's system is struggling to keep up.
"Right now it is a waiting game and it's terrifying," Christine Mitchell said.
Mitchell is just one of many trying to file for unemployment but hitting some roadblocks.
"I've been out of work for about a week and a half and both of my claims all it says is non-payment due to unresolved issue," Mitchell said. "Doesn't say what the issue is."
Mitchell has more than a decade of experience in the hotel industry but was laid off on March 18 due to the coronavirus pandemic. She said she filed for unemployment that day but it's been a slow process.
"The phone are down, the phone just disconnect you at Indiana Workforce Development and the web chat has been disabled so right now all you can do is email and cross your fingers that they are going to contact you back," Mitchell said.
The Department of Workforce Development acknowledges on its website that due to extremely high call volume waits will be longer than usual. Some say they are having trouble getting a response at all.
"Most of the people I know just from Facebook have been saying they have the same issue on their claim," Mitchell said. "There is a little yellow triangle that says there is an issue with the claim, a claims investigator will call you but there is no indication of when that could be. Could it be tomorrow? Next week? Or a month from now?"
With bills to pay and a baby on the way, Mitchell said she's worried about making ends meet.
"Everyone just keeps saying this isn't your fault, this isn't their fault, it's nobody's fault, nobody could prepare for this but at the end of the day those bills are going to be due," Mitchell said.
For now, Mitchell said she's working with her creditors and looking for a new job.
