State extends phone hours for unemployment claims

With more people getting laid off during tough economic times, the state of Massachusetts announced today that it would offer Saturday hours for people who want to apply for unemployment over the phone.

"We recognize that individuals are facing long wait times on our phone lines, and we are working hard, through increased staffing and extended hours to decrease the wait times," Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Suzanne M. Bump said in a statement.

The TeleClaim Centers will be open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through the end of the year. The state had already said it would increase weekday hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Globe reported last week that a surge in layoffs was straining the state's ability to process unemployment claims leading to long waits for those filing by phone, as well as long lines at local walk-in centers. To read that story, please click here.

First-time claims for unemployment in the state have jumped more than 30 percent from a year ago. A recent forecast projects the state jobless rate, which was 5.5 percent in October, could rise nearly 3 more points over the next year or so, to 8.3 percent, as the national economic downturn worsens.

One Shrewsbury resident told the Globe she had tried 40 times over two days to get through on the phone and had finally given up and gone to a walk-in center.

People who live in the 617 or 781 area codes should call 617-626-6800 to reach the TeleClaim Center. All others can call 877-626-6800.
(By Martin Finucane, Globe staff)