OK folks, Thread here is what I got on the update call with DOL today...

This department went from 20 to 200 employees, they are bringing on 100 more beginning next week as it is still not enough. Process will become smoother.

Online applications taken 24/7 and phone applications taken 7:00am to 7pm weekdays and 8:00 to 4:30 weekends. Weekend staff will be increased next weekend, but will be limited this weekend.

They have another system upgrade coming soon which will help, especially independent contractors and gig workers.

The $600 will be added to every claim, even if your claim only allows you $1. The $600 will be offered through July 31st. However, they still cannot tell us when the $600 will start, it won't be long, but has to be released from the feds.

After being certified, it could take up to 21 days to receive your first check, but it will be retroactive from the date you were certified (which comes soon after application). The $600 is also retroactive to date certified.

No self employed folks have been paid yet, but that money has started to come in, so it will start being paid this week. They are reviewing apps that were done previously and possibly denied & will be back n touch with you, they may require a bit more info, but will contact you.

Several of you have told me that you have more than one kind of employment, for those folks, he suggested waiting until the new upgrade for self employed-next week likely. So that it will be easier.

Right now they are still working off the free form "hack" that I talked about on my page a few days ago, and they have now posted those instructions on the page for self-employed.

For those with lost hours but still partially employed, you also can apply and you may likely qualify depending on salary and such. Important note, even if you only qualify for $1 of unemployment, you still get the $600.

*So big tip is for folks applying online, best time is off peak hours! But platform is getting upgrade soon.

** If you want a callback on an application you filed or tried to file, PM me your name, phone number, and last 4 digits of your social. We were directed to send these to our liaison and folks would get a call back.

I hope this helps, I really got the impression the folks doing this work understand the tough situation many find themselves in and they are trying to get folks the help they need!

Love you guys, take care, keep your distance, and check in on others! Oh, and call me if you need me, 865-660-9800!