My name is Lucy Erda and I am one of the many people who has lost their job because of the tariffs.

On March 7th, I was laid off from my job.

I was informed that I would receive eight weeks of severance pay - one week for every year I had been with the company.

I would be eligible to collect unemployment the week of May 5th.

I opened a claim but did not put in a payment request until May 5th. I was informed my claim had been closed.

I got it re-opened and I repeatedly explained my situation to the customer service representative. He told me I could file my first claim on the 19th.

I was able to file for the week of May 5th and May 11th but both were declined as being covered by my severance pay. Despite explaining that I had been laid off on March 7th, the representative listed my last day as March 27th. Because of this error, I lost two weeks of unemployment compensation. This was money needed to pay rent and utilities for the coming month.

I've tried to challenge their ruling but they insist that my eligibility for payments did not start until March 23rd despite the fact that I was laid off on March 7th.

I do not like having to ask for help but here we are. I need $2,000 to cover this month. Any amount helps. Thank you for your support.