OKLAHOMA CITY – Out of work Oklahomans are encouraged by Robin Roberson, executive director of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC), to first file initial claims online.
OESC phone systems are overloaded, Roberson said, “and despite assistance from other agencies in expanding the capability of its call center, individuals are finding themselves on hold for hours, disconnected, or unable to get through at all.”
Laid-off workers should file for benefits regardless of whether they know they qualify, Roberson said.
To file a weekly claim, visit www.unemployment.ok.gov and click the “claimant access” link, or call 1-800-555- 1554 and select the option to file a claim.
During this crisis the governor has waived the job search requirement, “so answer ‘yes’ when asked if you have done your work searches so there will not be an automatic stop put on your claim for responding ‘no’,” advised Cyndi Phillips, the OESC chief of staff.
Meanwhile, she said, many employers urgently need workers. Look for jobs at www.okjobmatch.com.