The surge of first-time unemployment claims is overwhelming the phone systems at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC).

Recently laid-off workers who need to file for benefits – or have questions about unemployment insurance – should file online or visit the agency’s website instead of calling the agency.

“It isn’t necessary to call to file an unemployment claim,” said OESC Executive Director Robin Roberson. “The agency’s website has information to answer every question. Really, everything can be done online. Our phones lines are so clogged that most callers are placed on indefinite hold, disconnected or completely unable to reach us.”

The unprecedented number of phone calls is also preventing the agency’s claim specialists from calling out to resolve issues with individuals claims. When a claimant is notified of an issue with their claim, the individual needs to wait for an agency claims specialist to call.

OESC has Q&A information for both claimants and employers online at: www.ok.gov/oesc/Claimants/Claimant_Unemployment_Insurance_FAQs_on_COVID-19.html and www.ok.gov/oesc/Businesses/Employer_FAQs_about_UI_and_COVID-19/index.html.

Last Friday, President Trump signed a substantial expansion of our nation’s unemployment insurance program after Congress passed the CAREs Act programs at the state level.

“I want to assure recently laid-off Oklahomans that help is on the way,” Roberson said. “We ask that claimants be patient as we work through the details of recent changes in federal law designed to benefit our residents.”

In the interim, laid-off workers should file for benefits whether they know they qualify. Meanwhile, many employers urgently need workers. Look for jobs at www.okjobmatch. com. Unemployment Claims

Unemployment Claims may be securely filed online at www.unemployment.ok.gov.