This week, Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler addressed complaints about the “slow” processing of unemployment claims.

“Understand that a regular individual filing a claim, even during a normal process, takes about 21 days because unemployment is not something you just sign up for and then you automatically get it. That’s not how the system is designed. It’s an insurance program,” said Butler.

That process could be longer or shorter. Butler said there’s a lot of vetting, looking for scams and fact-checking, that goes into the process. He said the more accurate your form is, the faster the process will be.

That includes making sure you have your legal name on the form.Butler said the speed of the process can also be determined by your last employer, especially if there are any disputes over your unemployment claim.

“Unemployment is very complicated,” said Butler. Butler said they are inadequately staffed right now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Butler said phone lines will be busy. Staff members are answering hundreds of calls about unemployment claims. He said don’t give up on getting your questions answered.

Butler said some of the best ways to get your questions answered by calling 877-709-8185, using their social media accounts or by using the DOL website.

WALB