In the United States, the coronavirus crisis apparently has massive problems with the applications of millions of unemployed people for state support. According to an online survey by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), many did not get the aid or did not even apply for it.
The study published today suggests that the 26.5 million initial jobless claims received by the state since mid-March by no means reflect the number of people in need.
According to this, there are three or four more for every ten successful applicants who fail due to bureaucracy or technical problems. Another two therefore did not even attempt to apply for state aid. According to the EPI, these numbers add up to 8.9 to 13.9 million unemployed.
In view of a flood of requests for state support, websites have collapsed and telephone lines have been overloaded, as frustrated applicants reported. Even those who have been successful often have to wait longer for the money to be paid out.
