Morning Reads for Friday, October 30th, 2020

Seems bizarre, but unemployment administration remains a mess (based upon some firsthand reports). The Department is just adding staff now? Also, there was clearly a culture, likely based upon fears of fraud, which was deny first, and let people slog through appeals. In one sample case, the claimant has been without benefits, and waiting for a hearing on appeal, for five months. And the initial denial? Based upon, tbh, what appears to be a cursory review with a lackluster understanding. It’s as if claims examiners are directed to deny first and save the arguments for later. Which is, frankly, how many insurance companies run, except the unemployment insurance is supposed to help people, not prolong suffering. I understand there is some fraud, as there always may be, but that’s why you have a robust and informed review/audit policy. That, otoh, seems robust, as in another case where the disbursements were quickly revoked. But, unfortunately again, that revocation appears to be based upon be a cursory review with a lackluster understanding. Deny first, let’s see if people can make it through the six-month slog through hearings. And during all those months? You may not get a peep of acknowledgement. It’s an awful limbo.