Unemployment Benefits Delayed Recovery

Summary

Tarael Brown from Virginia has been waiting for 2 years to receive his stolen unemployment benefits of $10,000. He has filed a police report and has been in regular contact with the unemployment office, but has not received any benefits. He has also appealed the unemployment decision and is considering seeking legal representation. He has been advised to contact the Virginia Legal Aid Society and the Virginia Employment Commission for further assistance.

Full Conversation

I have been waiting for 2 years to recieve my unemployment benefits that had been stolen during the pandemic and i still have not recieved anything and they keep telling me i have to wait longer. Ive already filed a police report when it happened and have tried to remain in contact with them but nothing has proceeded.
What state are you in, ****? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information regarding your unemployment benefits issue.
Virginia
What steps have you taken so far to resolve this issue with the unemployment benefits office?
Ive filed a police report, completed multiple identity checks for unemployement as well as calling them every week or so to ask what else i need to do to recieve my benefits.
Have you considered seeking legal representation to expedite your case? In Virginia, you have the right to appeal unemployment decisions.
Yes thats why im here
What is the status of your appeal with the unemployment benefits office?

In Virginia:
- You can appeal unemployment decisions within 30 days.
- Legal representation can help expedite your case.
Its been 2 years that ive been waiting.
What is the exact status of your appeal according to the unemployment benefits office?

In Virginia:
- Appeals can take time, but 2 years seems unusually long.
- Consider contacting Virginia Legal Aid Society at *-*-LEGLAID.
Waiting for the funds to be returned to unemployement so they can be resent to me.
Have you received any official communication from the unemployment office regarding the timeline for the return of your funds?

In Virginia:
- Unemployment office should provide updates on claim status.
- Contact Virginia Employment Commission: *-*-*-*.
No
Have you contacted the Virginia Employment Commission about the lack of communication?

In Virginia:
- Regular communication from the unemployment office is expected.
- Contact Virginia Employment Commission: *-*-*-*.
Yes i have and they tell me their hands are tied and i must wait.
What was the last communication you received from the Virginia Employment Commission?

In Virginia:
- Regular updates on claim status are expected.
- Contact Virginia Employment Commission: *-*-*-*.
About a week ago when incalled
What did they tell you during your last communication with the Virginia Employment Commission?
That nothing has changed
Have you considered contacting a local legal aid organization for assistance with your case? In Virginia, the Legal Aid Justice Center might be able to help. Their contact number is (*) *-*.
I want a pro bono lawyer who can hekp me more personally
What type of legal aid are you looking for? Employment law, civil rights, or something else?
Something else
What specific type of legal aid are you seeking?
Getting my unemployment benefits paid to me
What is the total amount of unemployment benefits that you are owed?
$*,*
Have you contacted the police department to follow up on the investigation of your stolen unemployment benefits?
Yes
What was the response from the police department regarding the investigation of your stolen unemployment benefits?
They filed a report for unemployment
What was the outcome of the police report?
Nothing so far because unemployment is still waiting for the thief to have a heart and return the money 2 years later
Have you considered filing a complaint with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section? They may be able to assist with your issue.