(NBC 26) -- Some unemployed workers have reached out to NBC 26 about their frustrations as they try to file for unemployment benefits. Some said they had to call the Department of Workforce Development but couldn't get through to talk with anyone.
Anthony Snyder, the CEO of the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, said the state's unemployment system was made to handle thousands of unemployment claims, not necessarily tens of hundreds of thousands.
"I know that they are working absolutely as hard as they possibly can to try and serve all these people," said Snyder.
He also said that, to his understanding, people are working around the clock to process claims. He said it might be another week or two before this backlog works itself out.
"The really good news, though, is that your benefits start when you lost your job. They don't start when you file, so let's say that someone has been unemployed now for two weeks. That doesn't mean they've lost two weeks of benefits," added Snyder.
NBC 26 reached out to the state to learn more about what's going on and any advice they might have for people filing claims right now. We did not hear back after leaving a message for the Department of Workforce Development's media line.
Snyder said he's heard most people can go through the entire process without an issue but that a small percentage of people might have to call the state for valid reasons. He said that's where the backlog is happening.
Snyder's advice to anyone trying to get through right now is to be patient.
"If it were me, I would try to call several times a day, and if I didn't get through, I would probably try several times the next day," he added.
According to the Department of Workforce Development's website, more than 150 unemployment Insurance Division's employees are working overtime. More employees are being trained and transferred to help the UI call center, as well. In addition, the DWD states it is hiring more people. For more information on staffing measures, click here.
Snyder said the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board has some temporary jobs listed. To see those jobs, click here.
Click here to see our story about getting help if you're unemployed.
