LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Finally getting their money after a long delay. Many people who filed for unemployment are receiving their final $600 checks from the federal CARES Act.
This comes after a glitch in Nevada's Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation system caused some applicants to not be paid.
The unemployment process has been frustrating for many, especially for those not getting their final $600 payment from the federal CARES Act. DETR blamed it on a glitch in their system.
Nevada residents still not satisfied with DETR answers
“Boom! There was this glitch again happening and now they’re waiting and hoping and praying that this week would sort out," said Salvatore Capano, a personal trainer and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance applicant
Capano says he has had issues trying to get his benefits and eventually got them a few weeks ago. However, he knew others were in a worse position.
“My wife and I were fortunate enough where we filed and got it, but many others have not,” he said.
Based on Facebook responses in various groups, most people on unemployment were finally getting their $600 at various times this week, which was when DETR promised to fix the glitch and pay.
Capano says he’s glad to hear the payments were finally getting through, saying it will help many make ends meet.
“There are people out there who are just losing their homes and weren’t getting any help. It just makes people feel great,” he said.
Capano also says there still needs to be improvements with DETR.
“There’s still work to be done. This is a broken system,” he said.
13 Action News reached out to DETR to see the progress on those payments, but the agency says it didn't have those numbers currently.
Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Thursday a rapid response effort to process unemployment claims quicker and the appointment of a new acting director for DETR.
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However, some applicants are not sure these changes will make any difference.
“I would like to say yes but I don’t think so. I feel like things are purposefully being stalled,” Danielle Loughton, of Las Vegas, said.
She says she’s been getting the runaround applying for regular unemployment and PUA after being told she was ineligible for both.
“I would have to call and I have placed 265 calls in the last two weeks trying to get this resolved and have gotten nowhere,” Loughton said.
It has taken a toll on her finances, she says.
“I just had to file for bankruptcy. I’m about to lose my car in two weeks. I’m struggling every day just trying to put food on the table for me and my two kids,” Loughton said. “I hope they can get these payments out and remove some of these roadblocks and give us resources,” she said.
