MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WZZM) - Michigan's high unemployment rate means more claims and it's causing problems at the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. The phone lines are clogged and some say the internet isn't much help either.
At the Michigan Works office in Muskegon Heights, workers have been told the wait can take hours or even days to register for benefits.
The biggest complaint seems to be the toll-free number that people have to call to register. The number is constantly busy.
Brenda Baushke was recently laid-off and says she tried for two days to register for benefits. "It's just frustrating; you don't want to leave the house, because you want to get through. Because you want to get started, because your bills are due."
Brenda, along with several others lined up at the Michigan Works office hoping for answers.
Director of Community Relations and Workforce Development, Christine Whitman, says it is frustrating that they can't help. "It's self service. They have to file on their own. None of us are state employees; we all work for the Orchard View School District."
Michigan Works helps people build their resumes and offers a job bank. Whitman estimates they had between 300 and 500 people come in wanting to know how they can register for their unemployment benefits.
At this point, they're trying to help people register online, but there is nothing they can do about the phones. "It's heartbreaking. I don't know what to tell them", says Whitman. So, for now, the advice is to go home and try re-dialing the toll-free number several times.
Brenda Baushke has no choice but to keep trying. "So, I guess I go home and I try to get through. Hopefully with that redial, redial, I can get through."
Late Tuesday, WZZM 13 did hear back from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.
Spokesperson, Norm Isotalo, says they are dealing with a high number of calls. He's says it's due to the high unemployment rate coupled with seasonal lay-offs.
Isotalo says they are looking at the possibility of adding another toll-free line and are in the process of adding additional staff.
In the meantime, people are urged to keep calling that toll-free line which is: 1-866-500-0017 or register via the internet.
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