‘My world could potentially collapse:’ C.O. resident frustrated by Paid Leave Oregon’s wait times for benefits

(Update: adding comment from Grotzsky and Paid Leave Oregon, KTVZ.COM Poll)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon resident Liz Grotzsky reached out to NewsChannel 21 about her frustrations with Paid Leave Oregon for still not receiving benefits after filing her claim in late May.

"If they don't pay out as they're supposed to pay. My world could potentially collapse ,financially," Grotzsky said.

She's been contributing to Paid Leave Oregon since before payouts started last September. The loss of a family member impacted her mental health, prompting her to file.

Oregon employers and workers pay through payroll taxes into Paid Leave Oregon as a way to take time off, if an unforeseen life event happens. The program has specific requirements to approve time-off requests. Grotzsky said she qualifies, but is still waiting for benefits.

The three criteria that allow for paid leave are the birth, adoption or foster of a new child for both parents; medical leave; and "safe leave" for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment or bias crimes. 

"They do not honor bereavement. So it wasn't until it became medical that they would allow me to go that route," Grotzsky said.

Paid Leave Oregon Communications Officer Jack Patterson said, "I have a lot of sympathy for folks who have frustrating experiences. We are aware of those, and we're working very hard to get those resolved, to make sure that all of our customers have a good, smooth, simple process."

Patterson the average claim is processed and paid in 29 days with medical verification factored in, but Grotzsky's wait is double the average timeline.

"if you're struggling to even have a savings account, but you're paying into a system that's supposed to give us what we need, why do we have to go through all these steps to have someone tell us whether or not we're able to be approved?" she said.

In her latest correspondence with the state agency, a representative informed Grotzsky she wouldn't receive benefits until August or even September because of verification issues.

Paid Leave Oregon acknowledged there have been staffing issues, leading to backlogs, but the communications officer says hiring more staff has lead to more claims being paid. In total, the agency has paid more than $500 million in benefits.

"Since we started that hiring push, we've been able to focus on more complicated claims," Patterson said. "And since May 31st, we've reduced the number of claims that are older than six weeks by over 45%, and that number is going down."

The amount of a paid leave benefit is determined by what a person makes. For example, making minimum wage qualifies for the of 100% of wages put in. People making more than $68,000 get an 80% return, and those making over $168,000 would get 50% of what they contributed.