Pay delays persist for Oregon Employment Department months after new site launch

People are continuing to come forward saying they’re experiencing issues getting paid benefits from the Oregon Employment Department after launching a new site, Frances Online, earlier this year.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — People are continuing to come forward saying they’re experiencing issues getting paid benefits from the Oregon Employment Department after the state agency officially consolidated their unemployment insurance benefits system into Frances Online earlier this year.

When the site first relaunched, OED was holding media briefings once a week. Now they are cutting back on conversations with the press even as people are still struggling to receive payments that represent a lifeline for many. 

Travis McDaniel and his wife had their first baby in November. To take care of his family, he took paternal leave, deciding to rely on state-provided paid leave to allow him to pay his bills. 

Over 21 weeks later, McDaniel is still waiting for his checks. He said he’s reached out to OED several times, via by phone, email or chat but still can’t get any answers. Now that he’s hearing OED isn’t holding those weekly press briefings either, he said he’s frustrated.

“Sounds like they're taking their head between their legs and just don't want to deal with it,” McDaniel said. “That makes me feel like if I wasn't talking to you, that I wouldn't see a dime and would hear nothing else about it.”

When asked why they aren’t holding weekly briefings anymore, OED said via email that they have reached the stage where they don't have updates to provide each week. 

OED also said their director was traveling for work this week after we asked for an interview Wednesday. However, they added they are considering a briefing next week and that if they don’t schedule one, they will look into arranging for an interview with KOIN 6.