KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As unemployment claims continue to skyrocket in Missouri and Kansas, families are worried about how they will make ends meet.
Bryant Tucker lives in Kansas City, Missouri and works in both Missouri and Kansas as a substitute teacher. Tucker said his last day of work was in mid-March right before Spring Break. He's attempted to file for unemployment with both states' departments of labor, but can't seem to have any luck.
"Kansas says they can't help because I've worked in Missouri," Tucker said. "With Missouri, I'm unable to get in touch with anyone, the possibility with Missouri unemployment is that they're saying the same thing well you worked in Kansas part of the time so we can't provide unemployment."
Tucker said he is having to make the most of the money he still has, but savings only goes so far.
"The frustrating part is just not being able to look at your bank account and say, 'OK, I can pay my bills and not worry about it,' but now it's paying my bills, 'OK, who can I cut short this month?'" Tucker said.
In St. Charles, Missouri, Travis Stanton is in a similar situation. Stanton was laid off from his job with General Motors on March 20. He said he filed for unemployment the next day, but he hasn't received anything.
"I can't get any answers," he said. "I've probably called 400-500 times in the last week and a half and can't even get through to anybody. It's very frustrating; I have a fiance and two kids at home and they depend on my check."
In Kansas, families say the state's unemployment computer system is to blame.
Michael Ashlock lives in Coffeyville and says he has been unemployed since November and is currently at the end of his benefits. He's been trying to get an extension while the job market is sparse.
"I can't even look at my status, or anything like that, I don't know, they're still working on things up there and they haven't gotten it straightened out," Ashlock said.
As Tucker waits for his stimulus check, he has no choice but to take things day by day and try to get creative with the money he does have.
"Now you just have to figure out what's in the best interest for your family, and how can you move things around," Tucker said.
