HARRISBURG – Gov. Edward G. Rendell said today that Pennsylvanians seeking unemployment compensation UC benefits can use the state’s bilingual Web site for efficient and secure access to services.
Rendell added that because seasonal and weather-related claims typically increase in January and February, the online filing resource is a convenient alternative to filing via phone or in person. Services can be accessed through the state’s Web site at http://www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: unemployment.
Information is provided in both English and Spanish.
“When Pennsylvanians are faced with the uncertainty of unemployment, we should do everything in our power to grant them peace of mind and address their needs,” Rendell said. “That’s why we’ve worked to provide an online system that allows claims to be filed quickly and securely.”
Unemployment compensation customers may use the Department of Labor & Industry’s secure Web site to file for initial benefits, make biweekly claims for benefits, change an address, determine the status of a benefit payment, or sign up for direct deposit. New security features detect and deter benefit fraud by verifying that claimants’ social security numbers match other identifying information.
For customers without Internet access, the department continues to provide UC services in English and Spanish by telephone at 1-888-313-7284, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Due to high call volumes, customers calling on Monday and Tuesday may experience delays and should instead consider calling later in the week. Applications filed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are handled the same as those filed Monday and Tuesday.
Much of the increase in unemployment in January and February is due to layoffs in industries most affected by the holidays and inclement weather, including retail, construction and landscaping.