I lost my job due to a layoff the last week in June. I immediately applied for my unemployment benefits. On July 3rd, I received an email requesting more information about my claim. I sent in the information the same day and was able to certify for benefits. A couple of days later, I received a probationary partial week through direct deposit. Since then, I have claimed benefits weekly and each time receive a message that I cannot be paid at this time since they are still reviewing my application. I've called the phone number 3 times to try to get answers. After my first call, I was told I should get an answer by the end of that week. After not hearing anything, I called a second time and was told any claims from before a certain date were taking 5 weeks to process. I called again today and was told there is a backlog and because I worked for a Board of education, my claim takes longer. I've been unemployed for 7 weeks at this point, actively looking for work. It is absurd it takes this long for people to get benefits that they paid into to in order to help in tough times.