WASHINGTON TWP. — Many 1099 employees are falling through the unemployment cracks and not getting help from the state of Ohio during the pandemic.
News Center 7′s John Bedell talked with a hair stylist who opened her own business about her frustrations with the unemployment process.
“We aren’t making any money," explained Cyndi Lynn, owner of Hairchitect in Washington Twp. "I have had to cash in stock which has not been fun or easy just to survive.”
Lynn is one of thousands of 1099 employees in Ohio who can’t get state jobless claims approved.
“I mean every week it’s denied, denied, denied," said Lynn. "And it’s a bit challenging and frustrating but I’m sure they’re doing their best.”
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said the state is working to fix the unemployment program and let 1099 workers get benefits.
“They will launch an online tool that is being developed for self-employed 1099 workers to get in line early. this is important so if you fall into that category, by the end of next week, we’ll have the application process available although they will not be able to process those claims for payment until may the 15th," Husted said in Columbus at Gov. Mike DeWine’s regular briefing on the state’s response to the pandemic.
Lynn appreciates the change and the help from the state, but is still frustrated.
“It’s just frustrating when you’re told go ahead and file and you’re automatically denied. And oh, we’re working on a website and it won’t be working until May and I’m hoping by the time the website’s up and running I’m back at work,” said Lynn.
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