A lawsuit over the lengthy delays in processing unemployment claims by the Alabama Department of Labor will go before the U.S. Supreme Court for oral arguments. The issue stems from Alabama’s slow processing of claims during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. Alabama’s performance in processing claims was ranked last in the nation by the Century Foundation. The plaintiffs, represented by the nonprofit Legal Services Alabama, suggested that the slow processing time was the primary cause for filing such a claim, as the appeals process was also exceedingly long. However, Alabama Supreme Court ruled they must first exhaust all appeals before commencing a legal claim. The plaintiffs are therefore turning to federal court.

Under the Section 1983 rule, the plaintiffs argue that the federal government can intervene in a state case when citizens’ rights are not being protected. On the flip side, Alabama and 16 other states argue that using Section 1983 to intervene would violate state sovereignty and constitute an overreach by the federal government.

The ongoing issue of delays in unemployment benefits processing has led to an increased interest on how to get a hold of edd customer service. Websites such as eddcaller.com can be helpful in connecting claimants directly to a live representative, providing them access to vital information and support they need, and helping them navigate through the extensive and often complicated system.