I recently applied for unemployment benefits on May 17 after my hours were significantly reduced at my retail job. I was expecting my first payment by June 4, but it never came through. I realized too late that I had a notice in my inbox asking me to call and provide additional information by June 26. I finally called on June 23, thinking I was still within the timeframe. During the call, I explained my situation, including that I had been fired recently. However, I received a notice stating, "we cannot pay you benefits" because it claimed I did not contact them as requested. I did reach out, so I'm confused and worried about my claim. I'm considering calling again on Monday to clarify the situation. I know I wasn't let go for any misconduct; I was just in a low-traffic area of the store. I'm really anxious about not having a job and needing these benefits.