The number of first time applicants for unemployment benefits in Kentucky doubled from 2007 to 2008.
There weren't enough phone lines or computer servers to handle the load.
"There was such a high volume of traffic on both of those systems that it overwhelmed the system," said Kim Brannock, of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.
Jim Clybourn, of Covington, experienced first-hand what's going on.
Several weeks ago he went to the local unemployment office to apply for an extension for his benefits.
"While I was down there they were actually telling people to go home, come back tomorrow that the telephone lines were not working at all," said Clybourn.
Clybourn has worked as heavy equipment operator for years.
"I got laid-off about a year ago for the winter. That's pretty normal. I just haven't been able to find anything when summer came around again," explained Clybourn.
Brannock says the number of first-time applicants recorded in November of 2007 was 23,655 statewide. In November of 2008 that number leapt to 40,429.
The state has since added one hundred phone lines and as of Thursday will have doubled the capacity of it's website.
"It's tough. You know, it's tough paying the bills. We're fortunate we haven't lost the house. I mean, my wife and I are getting by but just barely," said Clybourn.
