Some Struggle With Unemployment Application

April 23, 2020, 6:30 p.m. ·

COVID-19-Update1-NewsPBSNPR-horiz.png

Over 12,000 people filed new unemployment claims in Nebraska last week. Some Nebraskans have struggled with the application process.


Sara Smiley worked as a substitute teacher for public and private schools in Lincoln. She says she spent around 25 hours with the online system, which timed out while she was entering her information.

She also called and eventually went in person to fill out her application.

“People like me may be having a very hard time trying to follow the process as indicated on the Department of Labor website,” Smiley said. “I for one found it impossible to do so.”

Smiley submitted her application Monday and is now waiting to hear back.