The Missouri Department of Labor has adjusted the regional claim center’s office hours in order to handle the influx of federal employees filing for unemployment after the government shutdown.
All four of the regional call centers located throughout Missouri have experienced a combined 10.4 percent increase in filing claims. Department spokesperson Tom Bastian says the offices have increased their hours of operation in order to handle the growing influx of claims.
“As of last Friday, we noticed a 10.4 percent increase of initial claims filed. Because of that, we’ve decided to extend our hours of operations for the claims centers.”
According to a press release from the department, furloughed employees from federal offices must contact one of the four regional claims centers throughout the state. Jefferson City, Springfield, St. Louis and Kansas City offices are staying open until 6:00 P.M.
In addition to the extended call hours, Bastian encourages all claim-seeking residents to contact their regional claim center during the extended office hours – which will be open on Columbus Day.
For more information, check out the Missouri Department of Labor’s website at www.labor.mo.gov.