Ferrell has been trying to apply for unemployment insurance benefits, but the state doesn’t have the capability to process his application. “Due to Covid-19, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is currently experiencing higher than average wait times,” Ferrell said, adding that he hasn’t been able to talk to anyone. But The Tampa Bay Times reported state auditors had warned him last year that the website was still suffering major problems. Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, a Democrat, said every time he and others have tried to make improvements to the unemployment insurance benefits, Republicans have resisted. Florida is among the eight states in the country that offer less time in unemployment benefits.

But despite the suffering, the benefits that the state is supposed to pay workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own remained out of reach for many. Paulina, who asked to not be identified by last name, said she has been trying to file for unemployment for the last two weeks. Ron DeSantis asked Floridians for patience on Monday. The $2 trillion federal aid package is supposed to help the unemployed, including gig workers, with $875 a week for 13 weeks. ALSO SEE: How to file for unemployment benefits during coronavirus pandemic