New Market man waits weeks for latest unemployment extension

New Market man waits weeks for latest unemployment extension

By DON DARE
6 On Your Side Reporter

NEW MARKET (WATE) -- On November 6, another extension of emergency unemployment benefits was signed into law.

However, a New Market man tells 6 On Your Side he wonders when his check will arrive.

Officials say 150,000 unemployment checks are sent each week in Tennessee. There have been three extensions to unemployment benefits already this year. The latest, fourth extension is a record for the benefits.

Jim Poff has been cutting firewood lately to help make ends meet because he hasn't been able to find a job for a year.

Jim recently exhausted his unemployment benefits. To put food on the table, he'll sell the ricks of firewood as soon as they dry out.

"I can't buy no groceries if you don't have any money to buy them with," he says.

Early October is the date of Jim's last receipt for unemployment benefits. He visits the career center in Morristown weekly to learn when the state will get money from the latest extension.

"You ask about the extension, they say the funds ain't available yet. The president says they are. It's been approved. But for some reason, it takes six to eight weeks to get it to the people."

Usually, unemployed workers in Tennessee receive up to 26 weeks of benefits, paid from state insurance funds. But those funds can be extended during times of high unemployment.

"There's a lot of people out there, their unemployment has run out and they're in the same boat that I am. They're just waiting on the funds to get there," Jim says.

When he calls the Department of Labor and Workforce Development office about his check, the message says, "You have exhausted your benefits."

He's heard the same thing for weeks. "I've been trying to find something out for the past six to seven weeks now, ain't got an answer yet."

The Department of Labor tells 6 On Your Side the lag between the early November announcement and benefit payments had to do with guidance from Washington.

The complications are ironed out and those who have exhausted benefits will soon get an online application to apply for the latest extension.

Still, Jim says, "I want to hear that my check is going to be in the mail next week."

Unfortunately, the state said his check won't be in the mail next week.

But by December 11, Jim should be able to apply for the extension. Plus, we're told he'll be eligible for back pay.

If you have a consumer question, call the 6 On Your Side hotline at 865-633-5974.