By Joshua Huff, sports editor
The Alabama Department of Labor announced on Monday that the state has paid more than $6 million in coronavirus related unemployment compensation benefits in just one week.
Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington said that a total of $6,035,696 was paid between March 27 – April 3 to 22,646 claimants, which is out of 25,379 total number of individuals filing for unemployment benefits. That number represents nearly 67% of all unemployment compensation benefits paid in the past seven days.
“We have seen an overwhelming number of employees filing claims for unemployment compensation benefits,” Washington said. “We understand and realize that many people are having trouble applying – we are working on correcting the situation constantly, and more and more people are getting through with each day that passes. We are working hard to get the benefits into the pockets of those Alabamians who need them the most right now.”
The department of labor added that claimants will receive funds through direct deposit, an existing debit card (from a previous UC claim) or via a new debit card. Payment may take up to as many as 21 days, but should generally be received sooner.
If a debit card is selected as the method of payment, it will have to be mailed, which could also affect the time it takes to receive payment. If a claimant is not approved, they will receive written notification.
Claims can be filed online at www.labor.alabama.gov or by calling 1-866-234-5382. Patience is encouraged when trying to file a claim.