HARRISBURG – At Gov. Edward G. Rendell’s direction, the Department of Labor & Industry will immediately expand unemployment compensation services to accelerate and strengthen assistance to Pennsylvanians who have lost their jobs.
“These are difficult economic times for many people,” Rendell said. “When someone loses their job, they need prompt help. I have directed the immediate expansion of our services to better assist jobless Pennsylvanians, many of whom are struggling to pay bills and feed their families.”
Hours for the statewide unemployment compensation toll-free number — 1-888-313-7284 — have been extended to 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Beginning Dec. 15, nearly 300 temporary employees will be added to handle additional call volume. Fifty employees will staff a new call center that will open later this month in Harrisburg. Call-in hours will be expanded further as new staff are hired and trained.
“This increase in staff and service hours will enable us to quickly process even more claims,” said Rendell. “Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remains below the national level, but it is critical that we continue to respond efficiently to the needs of unemployed citizens.”
Due to high call volumes, callers to the toll-free line on Monday and Tuesday may experience delays and should instead consider calling later in the week. Calling later in the week will not affect the delivery of your benefits. Applications filed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are handled the same as those filed Monday and Tuesday. The morning hours are traditionally the busiest times to call. If callers receive a busy signal in the morning, they are encouraged to call back during the afternoon hours.
The most efficient way to file a claim for unemployment compensation is online. Online claims may be filed 24 hours a day.