RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Many out-of-work residents in North Carolina who have been receiving unemployment assistance find frustration when they have to recertify for benefits that may be exhausted. "I need help, this is ridiculous," said Kerry MacLeod, who is unemployed and was getting benefits. But those halted when it came time to recertify. "I've been waiting on my PUA claim since October." She is not alone. Mark Sanderlin, also unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said he also saw a lapse in his PUA benefits at the end of October when he had to recertify. "It's an awful long time to wait," Sanderlin said. "We've had birthday, holidays, mortgages all those things that don't have time to wait."