When Caryne Mount lost her job in February, she promptly filed for unemployment benefits. After receiving two checks, her claim was placed “in suspense” due to a confusing questionnaire about her job loss. Mount’s attempts to contact the Employment Department for clarification were met with busy signals or long wait times, leaving her frustrated and struggling financially. Oregon’s $106 million unemployment system, Frances Online, has faced criticism for ongoing problems, despite being designed to improve efficiency. The system has not resolved longstanding issues such as staffing shortages, resulting in delays and communication breakdowns. The Legislature has approved funding for additional staff, but it will take months to see the benefits of these hires. In the meantime, unemployed Oregonians like Mount and Nicole Powser continue to face uncertainty and financial hardship. Despite the Employment Department’s claims that most claims are being processed quickly, many claimants are experiencing delays and difficulties in accessing their benefits. The lack of an ombudsman to advocate for claimants adds to the challenges they face. The Employment Department’s exemption from public records laws also raises concerns about the transparency of its operations, including the extent of fraud and its impact on the system.
Oregon’s New Unemployment System Faces Scrutiny as Struggles Continue
