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Howell, New Jersey resident Catherine worked in retail and was basically laid off March 31. Catherine doesn't have home internet, and with cafes and other public hot spots closed, calling the unemployment line is her only option.
"I have tried since April 1. I have tried every single day," she said. "And I only get 'All agents are busy, and you need to call back on the next business day.'"
Four weeks later, she still has no income.
A spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Labor suggested a trusted friend or family member could help for people without internet access, which for Catherine is not an option.
"It just really blows my mind that they just think that people can live without any money," she expressed.
Catherine added, "I understand that this is not a normal situation, but what I do not understand is why it is taking four weeks."
The department once again asked for people's patience, saying in a statement, "We are sympathetic to the plight of workers who do not have access to a computer, smartphone, trusted friend or relative, or an HR department, and we appreciate the frustration of trying to get through on the phone, though that remains an option. So long as the stay-at-home order remains in place throughout our state, we cannot responsibly reopen to serve the public."
More than 850,000 people in New Jersey have filed for unemployment since the start of the crisis. South Jersey’s Legal Aid office has been trying to assist people like Catherine in getting through the phone lines.
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