UIF payment process too long!

This is my first UIF claim in 28 years. I made my application via the online portal in January 2024. There was no way to submit documents online. I visited the Durban DOL in February 2024. I was told that my application was already approved, however I found this strange as my documents had never been submitted. The consultant did not make copies or scan my documents. I was sent to another room to do a continuation of benefits. Here I was told how much money was available and when I logged in I could not do COB and it said to wait 7 days. I was told I could do this at home. 7 days passed and I tried to do the COB but it looked like my application was not approved.

I followed UIF online groups and eventually discovered the email address to submit my documents. I sent the documents on 11 March 2024. From there I emailed the documents almost every second day. I started calling the call centre to check if my documents were received. I only got confirmation that my documents were reflected on 08 April 2024. The consultants confirmed that my documentation appeared in order and had been escalated to the assessor. Since then I have been calling weekly with no real progress. At one stage the USSD was saying my claim was rejected. Again I called and they said they have escalated to find out what is wrong.

On 26 May 2024 I received an SMS confirming that my application has been processed and I will be paid in 7 working days. I still have not received payment. I called the call centre and was told I am now in the bank verification process. There is no update reflecting on the online portal and the USSD is still showing claim status as 22. I really need to know when I will receive my money as I am going into debt and I know the money is available in my UIF payment to settle my debts. It is extremely disappointing that the USSD and online portal do not reflect accurately the status of a claim which would alleviate all of the confusion. Also if the process time is not 7 working days but 15 working days then the automated messages should be updated. Every step of the process seems drawn out in order to not make payment.