California suspends payment on 1.4 million unemployment claims while searching for fraud [Los Angeles Times :: BC-UNEMPLOYMENT-CALIF:LA]
Ten months into a COVID-19 pandemic that put many out of work, the state unemployment agency has suspended payments on 1.4 million benefit claims, angering jobless Californians as it attempts to rein in rampant fraud.
The mass suspension is the latest controversy for an agency that has come under fire for jammed phone lines, computer glitches and operational problems that have left hundreds of thousands of frustrated Californians without financial help, many for months.
State lawmakers say their offices have been flooded with desperate calls from constituents who don’t understand why their jobless benefits have been cut off by the state Employment Development Department.
California suspends payment on 1.4 million unemployment claims while searching for fraud [Los Angeles Times]
Ten months into a COVID-19 pandemic that put many out of work, the state unemployment agency has suspended payments on 1.4 million benefit claims, angering jobless Californians as it attempts to rein in rampant fraud.
The mass suspension is the latest controversy for an agency that has come under fire for jammed phone lines, computer glitches and operational problems that have left hundreds of thousands of frustrated Californians without financial help, many for months.
State lawmakers say their offices have been flooded with desperate calls from constituents who don’t understand why their jobless benefits have been cut off by the state Employment Development Department.
FAIRFIELD-SUISUN, CALIFORNIA
In this file photo, Estella Flores, right, and Maria Mora, left, are reflected in a window as they look for information in front of the closed California State Employment Development Department on Thursday, May 14, 2020 in Canoga Park, Calif. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
California suspends payment on 1.4 million unemployment claims while searching for fraud
Ten months into a Covid-19 pandemic that put many out of work, the state unemployment agency has suspended payments on 1.4 million benefit claims, angering jobless Californians as it attempts to rein in rampant fraud.
The mass suspension is the latest controversy for an agency that has come under fire for jammed phone lines, computer glitches and operational problems that have left hundreds of thousands of frustrated Californians without financial help, many for months.