Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Nevada agency working to meet demand for unemployment benefits

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation has expanded its services for residents who have lost work because of the coronavirus outbreak and are seeking unemployment insurance.

With the temporary closures of properties on the Strip, and other businesses limiting services, there’s sure to be a spike in claims. Many workers were already living check to check, meaning their finances will desperately need to be supplemented.

“We are actively preparing our system and staffing levels so we can meet the recent increased demand,” said Tiffany Tyler Garner, the department’s director.  

Here’s a guide to getting unemployment help.

Who is eligible for unemployment benefits?

Unemployment benefits are available to anyone who is out of work temporarily, or has had their hours significantly cut through no fault of their own. To collect benefits, you must be able to verify that you are able, available and willing to accept work. You must also be seeking work each week you file a claim for benefits. 

How do I file a claim?

The quickest way to file a claim is by visiting the Claimant Self Service portal at ui.nv.gov and clicking the “For UI Claimants” tab. Those without internet can call a representative 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday at 702-486-0350. Keep in mind, there are especially high call volumes right now, so expect a wait time. 

What information do I need to provide?

When applying for unemployment insurance, you must provide the exact reason for your unemployment or underemployment. You must also provide all gross wages (before any deductions) in the week they are earned regardless if they have been paid or not. 

I just finished filing my claim. What now? 

A monetary determination that tells you whether you had enough base period wages to qualify for benefits will be mailed to you. This does not mean you will automatically receive these benefits, however. The office will then look into why you became unemployed. If you are eligible, payment should come within seven days of filing your first weekly claim. 

What the Culinary Union is doing to protect workers

The Culinary Union, which represents 60,000 workers in Las Vegas, is in the process of negotiating compensations with Las Vegas resorts, including MGM Resorts International and Wynn Resorts, which announced Sunday they would temporarily close.  

“There are new proposals on the table regarding additional protections for workers in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic,” Culinary Union spokeswoman Bethany Khan said.

Kahn said contracts have seniority language that dictate layoffs must be done in a “fair and impartial manner” that ensure that when business improves, workers can return to work by seniority.

The Culinary Health Fund Board of Union and Management Trustees has also agreed to extend health care coverage during crises like the coronavirus, for both workers who are laid off and who have had their hours reduced, Khan added.  

Culinary Union secretary-treasurer Geoconda Arguello-Kline announced Monday that in order to get through the “coronavirus crisis,” workers “should be paid during the time when business is closed.”