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‘I Cry Night and Day’: How It Took One Woman 8 Weeks to Get Unemployment ‘I Cry Night and Day’: How It Took One Woman 8 Weeks to Get Unemployment
(7 days later)
Seven weeks after she filed for unemployment benefits, Nadine Josephs was running out of money. The birthdays of her two teenage children loomed, and she was spending her days pleading for forbearance on overdue bills.Seven weeks after she filed for unemployment benefits, Nadine Josephs was running out of money. The birthdays of her two teenage children loomed, and she was spending her days pleading for forbearance on overdue bills.
Holed up in her apartment in the East New York, Brooklyn, Ms. Josephs, 46, had grown increasingly frustrated since she filed her claim on March 16. And she was tired of hearing assurances from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to the thousands of desperate New Yorkers like her that the checks would be in the mail.Holed up in her apartment in the East New York, Brooklyn, Ms. Josephs, 46, had grown increasingly frustrated since she filed her claim on March 16. And she was tired of hearing assurances from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to the thousands of desperate New Yorkers like her that the checks would be in the mail.
She had checked the mail, her email and her voice mail: No word from Albany in more than a month.She had checked the mail, her email and her voice mail: No word from Albany in more than a month.
Between negotiations with the phone company and a furniture-rental company, Ms. Josephs tried every avenue she could think of to draw attention to her plight. She called the New York State Department of Labor at all hours, posted pleas on Facebook and Twitter, and even tweeted daily at the governor himself.Between negotiations with the phone company and a furniture-rental company, Ms. Josephs tried every avenue she could think of to draw attention to her plight. She called the New York State Department of Labor at all hours, posted pleas on Facebook and Twitter, and even tweeted daily at the governor himself.
“I’m just praying this can be resolved,” she said in an interview. “My back is against the wall.”“I’m just praying this can be resolved,” she said in an interview. “My back is against the wall.”
Ms. Josephs was part of the first wave of unemployment claimants who overwhelmed the Department of Labor in mid-March. Since then, the state has received more than 1.6 million claims, including many from gig workers and other independent contractors who normally would not have qualified for benefits.Ms. Josephs was part of the first wave of unemployment claimants who overwhelmed the Department of Labor in mid-March. Since then, the state has received more than 1.6 million claims, including many from gig workers and other independent contractors who normally would not have qualified for benefits.
State officials said they hired more than 3,000 people to help process claims. Roberta Reardon, the New York’s labor commissioner, said the state had paid out $5.8 billion to unemployed residents since the coronavirus pandemic shut down many businesses and ordered most people to stay home.State officials said they hired more than 3,000 people to help process claims. Roberta Reardon, the New York’s labor commissioner, said the state had paid out $5.8 billion to unemployed residents since the coronavirus pandemic shut down many businesses and ordered most people to stay home.
Mr. Cuomo said on Monday that “the good news is even if there’s a delay on the website, it doesn’t cost you any money.” Everybody who filed a legitimate claim would receive all of their benefits dating back to when they first applied, he said.Mr. Cuomo said on Monday that “the good news is even if there’s a delay on the website, it doesn’t cost you any money.” Everybody who filed a legitimate claim would receive all of their benefits dating back to when they first applied, he said.
But people like Ms. Josephs have been through an emotional wringer. She said the stress of having no income for two months had caused her migraines and led to very dark thoughts. She shared details of her quest to collect the benefits she was entitled to.But people like Ms. Josephs have been through an emotional wringer. She said the stress of having no income for two months had caused her migraines and led to very dark thoughts. She shared details of her quest to collect the benefits she was entitled to.
Ms. Josephs learned that the Lower Manhattan office of the federal agency she worked for, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, was closing indefinitely. She had worked there for more than three years, but was not on the commission’s payroll. She had been hired through a staffing agency and remained a contract employee. Ms. Josephs’s supervisor told her that when the office reopened, she could return to work.Ms. Josephs learned that the Lower Manhattan office of the federal agency she worked for, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, was closing indefinitely. She had worked there for more than three years, but was not on the commission’s payroll. She had been hired through a staffing agency and remained a contract employee. Ms. Josephs’s supervisor told her that when the office reopened, she could return to work.
Ms. Josephs started the day by going to the state Department of Labor’s website to file a claim for unemployment benefits. She was ahead of the stampede that was about to begin.Ms. Josephs started the day by going to the state Department of Labor’s website to file a claim for unemployment benefits. She was ahead of the stampede that was about to begin.
The night before, Mayor Bill de Blasio had announced that all the city’s restaurants and bars, gyms and movie theaters had to stop admitting patrons at 8 p.m. on March 16. That morning, Mr. Cuomo extended the shutdown statewide, effectively throwing hundreds of thousands of people out of work.The night before, Mayor Bill de Blasio had announced that all the city’s restaurants and bars, gyms and movie theaters had to stop admitting patrons at 8 p.m. on March 16. That morning, Mr. Cuomo extended the shutdown statewide, effectively throwing hundreds of thousands of people out of work.
Ms. Josephs said the website told her that she could not complete her application online and that she needed to speak to a department representative. So she began dialing the phone number provided; that was when she realized the process would not be smooth.Ms. Josephs said the website told her that she could not complete her application online and that she needed to speak to a department representative. So she began dialing the phone number provided; that was when she realized the process would not be smooth.
“I had to keep on calling,” she said. For days, she woke by 7:30 a.m. so she would be ready to dial at 7:59, just as the phone lines were scheduled to open. Already, the answering message said, the system was overwhelmed. It said to try back later.“I had to keep on calling,” she said. For days, she woke by 7:30 a.m. so she would be ready to dial at 7:59, just as the phone lines were scheduled to open. Already, the answering message said, the system was overwhelmed. It said to try back later.
“I got through,” Ms. Josephs said.“I got through,” Ms. Josephs said.
After dozens of failed attempts, a woman answered and asked Ms. Josephs questions about her and her work history. Then, she recalled, “The lady said it was complete and I don’t have to do anything else.”After dozens of failed attempts, a woman answered and asked Ms. Josephs questions about her and her work history. Then, she recalled, “The lady said it was complete and I don’t have to do anything else.”
Ms. Josephs thought she would soon get notice of her first payment. She had collected unemployment benefits once before, receiving about $370 a week, and expected at least that much.Ms. Josephs thought she would soon get notice of her first payment. She had collected unemployment benefits once before, receiving about $370 a week, and expected at least that much.
“Then all of a sudden, I get a letter in the mail,” Ms. Josephs said.“Then all of a sudden, I get a letter in the mail,” Ms. Josephs said.
The letter from the Labor Department, dated March 20, advised her that she had to provide proof that she was authorized to work in the United States for the previous two years. Ms. Josephs, who immigrated from Jamaica when she was a child, said she mailed back a copy of her green card and also uploaded a copy to the department’s website.The letter from the Labor Department, dated March 20, advised her that she had to provide proof that she was authorized to work in the United States for the previous two years. Ms. Josephs, who immigrated from Jamaica when she was a child, said she mailed back a copy of her green card and also uploaded a copy to the department’s website.
That was the last Ms. Josephs heard from the state. But it was not the last the state heard from her.That was the last Ms. Josephs heard from the state. But it was not the last the state heard from her.
After three more weeks of calling and getting no response, Ms. Josephs started waging a personal campaign on social media.After three more weeks of calling and getting no response, Ms. Josephs started waging a personal campaign on social media.
She took to Twitter, replying to general tweets from the Labor Department’s account. “I need help and a call back to let me know my status,” she wrote, adding, “It’s not my fault.”She took to Twitter, replying to general tweets from the Labor Department’s account. “I need help and a call back to let me know my status,” she wrote, adding, “It’s not my fault.”
Sometime that week, she received her only income in the month she had been out of work: a $1,200 stimulus check from the federal government.Sometime that week, she received her only income in the month she had been out of work: a $1,200 stimulus check from the federal government.
Ms. Josephs, sounding increasingly agitated, added Mr. Cuomo and Ms. Reardon, the labor commissioner, as targets of her appeals on Twitter. “Put yourself in my shoes,” she wrote to them. “I cry night and day because if it was up to me I would be at work.”Ms. Josephs, sounding increasingly agitated, added Mr. Cuomo and Ms. Reardon, the labor commissioner, as targets of her appeals on Twitter. “Put yourself in my shoes,” she wrote to them. “I cry night and day because if it was up to me I would be at work.”
Ms. Josephs joined HELP US — NYS Unemployment Issues, a Facebook group seeking to “raise awareness about the current issues” with the state’s unemployment system. It has more than 40,000 members.Ms. Josephs joined HELP US — NYS Unemployment Issues, a Facebook group seeking to “raise awareness about the current issues” with the state’s unemployment system. It has more than 40,000 members.
She began posting questions about applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a program created by Congress in late March to provide temporary benefits to people idled by the crisis who would not normally qualify for unemployment. Ms. Josephs should not have been eligible for that, but she was willing to try anything.She began posting questions about applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, a program created by Congress in late March to provide temporary benefits to people idled by the crisis who would not normally qualify for unemployment. Ms. Josephs should not have been eligible for that, but she was willing to try anything.
Updated June 16, 2020 Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
She began asking strangers online to send her money for food.She began asking strangers online to send her money for food.
Ms. Josephs decided to try to plea her case directly to the governor. She called Mr. Cuomo’s office, and after two hours on hold, she heard a human voice. That woman tried to connect her to the Labor Department, but the lines were busy. She took Ms. Josephs’s information and told her not to ignore any calls from unfamiliar numbers.Ms. Josephs decided to try to plea her case directly to the governor. She called Mr. Cuomo’s office, and after two hours on hold, she heard a human voice. That woman tried to connect her to the Labor Department, but the lines were busy. She took Ms. Josephs’s information and told her not to ignore any calls from unfamiliar numbers.
“I broke down on the phone because it’s been weeks trying to speak to someone,” Ms. Josephs wrote on Facebook.“I broke down on the phone because it’s been weeks trying to speak to someone,” Ms. Josephs wrote on Facebook.
Ms. Josephs tried Mr. Cuomo’s office again and, after a two-and-a-half-hour hold, reached the same woman. The woman told her it appeared that a lot of people who filed claims in March had still not been paid, she said. The woman said Ms. Josephs’s name would go on a “priority list” for a call back.Ms. Josephs tried Mr. Cuomo’s office again and, after a two-and-a-half-hour hold, reached the same woman. The woman told her it appeared that a lot of people who filed claims in March had still not been paid, she said. The woman said Ms. Josephs’s name would go on a “priority list” for a call back.
But, Ms. Josephs said, she was told that if she did not hear back by Tuesday, she should call again.But, Ms. Josephs said, she was told that if she did not hear back by Tuesday, she should call again.
Through a friend, Ms. Josephs reached out to State Senator Shelley B. Mayer for help. Ms. Mayer, a Democrat, represents a section of Westchester County more than 25 miles north of East New York, but she had made a mission of helping people break through logjams in the unemployment insurance system.Through a friend, Ms. Josephs reached out to State Senator Shelley B. Mayer for help. Ms. Mayer, a Democrat, represents a section of Westchester County more than 25 miles north of East New York, but she had made a mission of helping people break through logjams in the unemployment insurance system.
“This process has been very challenging for thousands of my constituents,” Ms. Mayer said in an interview. “I am impatient and demanding on the part of these individuals who are at financial risk and emotional risk.”“This process has been very challenging for thousands of my constituents,” Ms. Mayer said in an interview. “I am impatient and demanding on the part of these individuals who are at financial risk and emotional risk.”
A member of Ms. Mayer’s staff contacted Ms. Josephs around 11 p.m. and received a response from her by email after midnight, the senator said.A member of Ms. Mayer’s staff contacted Ms. Josephs around 11 p.m. and received a response from her by email after midnight, the senator said.
The New York Times also reached out to the Labor Department to inquire about Ms. Josephs’s case, but did not receive a response.The New York Times also reached out to the Labor Department to inquire about Ms. Josephs’s case, but did not receive a response.
When Ms. Josephs logged on to the Labor Department’s website, she was stunned to see that her claim had finally been processed. It showed that she was due to receive benefits dating back seven weeks, plus five weekly installments of $600 in federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.When Ms. Josephs logged on to the Labor Department’s website, she was stunned to see that her claim had finally been processed. It showed that she was due to receive benefits dating back seven weeks, plus five weekly installments of $600 in federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.
Ms. Josephs was thrilled at the prospect of having money to spend on her daughter’s 17th birthday next week and her son’s 15th birthday the following week. “I am truly blessed to say I’m glad it’s over with,” she said.Ms. Josephs was thrilled at the prospect of having money to spend on her daughter’s 17th birthday next week and her son’s 15th birthday the following week. “I am truly blessed to say I’m glad it’s over with,” she said.