Secretary Mike Preston | Twitter
Secretary Mike Preston | Twitter
Arkansas’ Secretary Mike Preston recently shared his insights into the various challenges facing applicants for unemployment benefits, some of whom claim they have been waiting up to five months for approval on their applications.
Preston appeared on KNWA FOX 24 on March 10 to answer questions of Arkansas residents about unemployment benefits.
“When you look at someone who is saying they have a four-five month delay, the issue is probably that they either don’t qualify or they’ve been denied and are going through an appeal,” Preston said. “Getting qualified should only take a matter of going online and filling out the application and the information you’re looking for.”
The same goes for individuals looking for pandemic-related benefits: If an individual qualifies, getting the application in and receiving approval should have a relatively quick turnaround time.
The Division of Workforce Services has been encouraging residents to apply online or over the phone, so as to avoid long lines at the office, but despite these instructions, individuals are struggling to have their calls answered.
At the end of December, the second wave of COVID-related assistance funding was approved, which resulted in a large uptick in applications from individuals seeking out extended aid. Online applications remain the safest way to apply for unemployment benefits.
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