Unemployed workers are being urged to file for state benefits online.
Requests for state unemployment insurance have seen a nearly 30-percent increase over the same period last year. To help speed up the application process, Department of Workforce Development spokesman Dick Jones, says residents should consider filing online if they need to make a claim.
Jones says going online helps get the process started, even if a claim may require additional assistance. Filings can be made on the DWD website during the week between 6 AM and 7 PM. On weekends, they can be done starting at 9 AM. You can also file by calling 1-800-822-5246
Jones says filing a claim is easy, but make sure you have some basic information available. That includes name, social security number, and your last date of work.
Workers can access up to 26 weeks of state benefits, with a maximum payment of $355 a week.