Idaho is one of several states across the nation where the surge of newly laid-off workers is overwhelming state unemployment phone systems.
Laid-off workers who need to file for benefits – or have questions about unemployment insurance – should file online or visit the agency website instead of calling the department.
Labor officials say the public doesn’t have to call the department to file a claim. Everything can be done online and most questions can be answered by reviewing the posted material. The call volume is high and most callers are receiving a busy signal and will not get through.
Jammed phone lines also prevent the department’s claim specialists from calling out to resolve issues with individual claims. When the department notifies a claimant there is an issue with their claim, the individual needs to wait for an agency claims specialist to call.
Answers to questions about unemployment insurance and COVID-19 are in the FAQ section of the labor website at www.labor.idaho.gov. To make it easier, questions are divided into two categories: regular questions about unemployment insurance and specific questions about COVID-19.
On Friday, federal lawmakers agreed to a significant expansion of the nation’s unemployment insurance program, however, labor officials say it will take time to implement the CAREs Act programs at the state level.
In the meantime, laid-off workers should go ahead and apply for benefits, even if they are not sure they qualify. (Idaho Department of Labor)
