“You were extremely professional and very clear with what the Ombudsman could and couldn’t do to help. I am very happy that you were able to help us navigate the claims process . . . if we have any future complaints with a state agency, I am calling your office.”
An older Alaskan contacted the Ombudsman frustrated that the application process for her husband’s Unemployment Insurance was so confusing and complicated, and that the information he received from the Department of Labor said he was approved for benefits a month before but nothing had been paid. Ombudsman staff contacted the agency and learned that the agency was struggling with a backlog — caused by the huge increase in applications for UI during the COVID pandemic. We confirmed that the complainant’s application for benefit was approved and that payments would be made within a week. A week later, the complainant confirmed that all the UI benefits had been received.