Department of Workforce Development

Megan 4 months ago

Worthless. A few weeks ago I helped an older family member file their first unemployment claim. The entire process was outrageous and I truly don’t see how a non-tech savvy person could do it alone. I tried to file the initial claim on a tablet, but at a certain point in the process, the screen would quit loading. I tried multiple times and it stalled on the exact same page every time. So then I moved to a laptop. I was able to file an initial claim, but then we needed to verify their identity through ID.me. Since the website wouldn’t work on the tablet, I had to take photos and upload them to the laptop. We had to upload front and back photos of three documents and then wait for a live agent (an overseas call center handed stacks of personal information, what could go wrong?) The wait time initially said 15 minutes and it gradually counts down, but every minute on the ID.me website was more like 5-10 minutes. I timed it myself and it was actually one hour and twenty four minutes total. Whenever the agent finally came on she asked for his email address, and he couldn’t remember his email address exactly, so I wrote it down for him. The agent tried to make an issue of it and said that if I was going to help, there would be special rules. Truly, just shut up and do your job and verify the documents. Anyways, it’s been a few weeks and the claim is still “under review.” The claimant is part of a layoff. The employer says they have received NOTHING regarding anyone’s claims. They’re ready and willing to fill out whatever they need to so people can get paid. I guess Braun and the DWD will just let folks starve. The Uplink website is crap. It doesn’t work on Safari (Apple internet browser.) Every single time you log in to check your claim, it will email a six digit code, but you’ll have to have a new code emailed 2-3 times before it works. It can NEVER verify the first code it sends. What an absolute failure of a state.

James Parish 3 months ago

You know it’s wild because this review could have went either way as of two days ago. I had to fight this thing for about 9 months in total just to get what our family deserved. At times the department is hard to get ahold of, has some strenuous/difficult rules, and will have you guessing if this can be reality, but if you stick with the process they will often do what is right. I personally had the pleasure of having hearings with two excellent and knowledgeable judges. I know others have had a hard go with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, but the right explanation and the right circumstances will be positive in the long run if you continually follow the process. I definitely want to thank the department and hope that some aspects of these processes improve over time. The people are worth it.

Adam Picker 6 months ago

I have waited 3 hours to talk to someone on the unemployment phone #6 and the building closes.... And kicked me out me out.... So how does that make sense Update I moved it to three stars because I didn't answer at the last second but it's not the point they were willing to kick me out knowing I never got anything done... Honestly selfish and lack caring at a job it is apart of

Cynthia 3 months ago

The “Uplink” website to file unemployment is ALWAYS DOWN… Claimants are only given Saturday- Sunday to file for weekly vouchers. However, Periodically they will shut down the entire Uplink website for days at a time. Preventing us all from even filing our vouchers. Not to mention all phone numbers listed for the actual unemployment office are merely an Automated service with no option to even speak to customer service.

Lexxbagzz 3 months ago

Terrible. They denied my unemployment claim because the employer lied & they are dragging their feet to grant me an appeal hearing, their commissioner has ignored 2 of my emails so I have filed a complaint with the inspector general. Hire people who actually do their jobs !!! Disgraceful