Wellford Family Waiting on Unemployment Extension in Desperate Need

The wait for an unemployment check has put one family that reapplied for benefits into a desperate situation.

By: Dianne Derby | WSPA-TV
Published: July 09, 2009

In the Moore house the activity never stops. With three children and a newborn there's always a lot to do and many mouths to feed. The problem is Robert, the breadwinner, hasn't been able to find full-time work for more than a year now.

"I've been working in some way shape or form since I was 13," said Moore.

Moore has done every job you can think of in the restaurant business. A year ago he was fired from his job as a manager. He applied for unemployment benefits and when those ran out on May 31st, he applied for an extension.

"When she told me it could be 3-4 weeks before you'd see a check that hit me like a ton of bricks," said Moore.

That wait has forced him and his family into a desperate situation.

"Not even a week ago we were going to have to go out and beg for formula for the baby," said Moore."It was the next to the last day of the month. We had no formula for the baby and her WIC vouchers didn't start until the first day of July."

The South Carolina Employment Security Commission would not comment to us about his claim because of confidentiality. But Moore's phone started ringing.

"Very helpful," said Moore. "He explained what had flagged the claim initially."

The flag, Moore said, was his part-time job he took on to make ends meet. But he quit that when the 1 to 3 hours he was getting to work wasn't worth the 30 minute drive.

"When you are a waiter you're only making $2.13 an hour at most restaurants and you're counting on the tips," said Moore. "People are not tipping that well right now and I don't blame them. They are holding onto every penny they have."

Until Moore sees the money he's waited more than a month to get, he'll be hoping and praying his family will get by.

"Faith in Jesus is about all you got right now," said Moore.

What do you need to know if you apply for unemployment benefits? The South Carolina Employment Security Commission says if eligible you likely won't receive your first check for 3 weeks. They say benefits end after 26 weeks but you can get extensions that will keep you going up to 72 weeks. Finally, be aware that right now they are backlogged so much they are still working on claims filed in the middle of June. For more frequently asked questions click here.