KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas Department of Labor announced Thursday that it has fixed the processing issue that was stopping people from getting their $600 weekly payments under the CARES Act.
Secretary Delía García said those who are eligible should start seeing the money in their accounts Thursday.
However, some Kansans say they've heard that before.
Wichita resident and salon owner Joanna Waughtal said she is self-employed and is therefore not eligible for unemployment benefits. She has been waiting for her first $600 payment and said it is a struggle to make ends meet.
"You know in the beginning I did understand. They have a lot to catch up on. I was patient, but at this point it's getting to be the same thing over and over, the governor everyday is saying maybe tomorrow, maybe tomorrow," Waughtal said. "I'm selling shoes and purses and clothes just to get some money coming in."
García said Thursday that the Department of Labor is beginning to send $3.4 million in benefits Thursday. She said retroactive payments are coming soon as well.
Still, some Kansans say they are tired of waiting, and they needed the money weeks ago.
"When you owe money on things people don't care that we have an old unemployment system, that's not their problem," Overland Park resident Nancy Publow said.
Publow said she has only received one unemployment deposit since filing in mid-March. She has had to ask for forgiveness on some medical bills. She said with her single unemployment payment and stimulus check she is making do, but she worries about the near future.
"If more money doesn't start coming in by May 1, then I'm going to be back in the same boat," Publow said.
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