Career Source stepping in to offer relief for those trying to apply for unemployment

Reporter: Dannielle Garcia
Published: Updated:
Natalie Griffin (WINK News)

It’s becoming tougher and tougher for so many of you to make ends meet and the difficulty filing for unemployment benefits is only making matters worse.

One huge problem: those PIN numbers you need to finalize your application.

However, effective Friday, there’s new hope thanks to an old friend.

Natalie Griffin is one of a handful of people with a special skill so many of you need. She works for Career Source and her mission is simple—take as many calls as she can and help reset PIN numbers so you can file.

“The process is really quick,” she said. “I mean, I get through one PIN reset in less than five minutes so it’s really quick and that way they can access their claim and get them moving along.”

Many of you have emailed and called telling us PIN numbers are a huge problem and the state’s website and phone system can’t handle the volume of users. So, Career Source is stepping up and training people like Griffin to help the state with the heavy load.

“They’re like, ‘Yay! Not a robot!’ And, you know, a friendly voice, so it’s been a pleasure,” Griffin said.

“We hear the frustration, we hear the concern of the individuals who are now desperate because they have no income,” said Career Source Executive Director Joe Paterno.

He says he has 50 people ready to help.

“Be patient with us because I’m sure we’re gonna have a few glitches,” he asked.

But Griffin says she’s ready to go and eager to offer some relief to so many.

“I’m going to get through as many as I possibly can. I’m going to be here on Saturday and Sunday and seven days a week if I have to be,” she said.

The only way Career Source can help you reset your PIN is to call 1-800-557-3242.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.