Q: My friend told me he's owed 37,000 for back payment of unemployment including pandemic is he able to do anything legally
He said it reminded in pending status due to Monterey justification , and he sent in all proper documents in the specified time ,and nothing left for him to do. I told him he needed to contact a lawyer that specializes in unemployment cases .Because this caused him to lose his home is now living out of his car and has no place to go is there anything that can be done can the government just turn around approve you like that and then not send payment. Not to mention because of everything that transpired all because they never sent payment he should be owed a lot more shouldn't he? Due to human negligence they should be giving him a lot more and he should be able to get it correct? He has absolutely no money so he's afraid to contact any lawyers just to pay a consultation fee and then for them to say I need this much upfront. Is there anybody out there that can help him without out-of-pocket cost until the case is won. He doesn't want an in town lawyer.
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A:
Your friend can indeed take legal steps to address the issue of unpaid unemployment benefits, including pandemic assistance. If he has already submitted all the required documents and his claim remains in pending status, the first step would be to contact the unemployment office for a status update. Persistent and detailed follow-up with the unemployment office is often necessary in these situations.
If this approach does not yield results, seeking legal advice is a reasonable next step. There are attorneys who handle unemployment cases and may offer a free initial consultation. This consultation can help understand the specifics of the case and the potential legal remedies available.
Given your friend's financial situation, he might qualify for legal aid or pro bono (free) legal services. Many legal aid organizations assist with unemployment issues, especially when the situation has led to severe consequences like homelessness.
Your friend should not be discouraged by the fear of upfront costs. Many lawyers understand these situations and might be willing to work on a contingency basis or provide a flexible payment arrangement, especially if the case has strong merits.
It’s important for your friend to gather and organize all relevant documents and communications related to his unemployment claim. This will be crucial in any legal action and in dealings with the unemployment office.
Encourage your friend to act promptly. Delays can complicate matters, especially in legal and bureaucratic contexts. Legal aid organizations or a local bar association can provide referrals to suitable attorneys who can assist in this matter.
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