Projo Biz Blog

By NEIL DOWNING
Journal Staff Writer

If you are about to run out of unemployment benefits, and plan to seek an extension, you may now do so online, through the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training's Web site.

Formerly, you could apply for extended benefits only by phone. Now, you may apply either by phone or online, the agency said on Thursday. The additional option should help reduce traffic on phone lines.

In a statement issued Thursday, agency director Sandra M. Powell said, "The new
Internet-based applications make filing unemployment insurance claims more
convenient for the customer and more efficient for the agency. By allowing
more unemployment insurance customers to file online, we expect over time to
see a reduction in call center volume and a decrease in call center wait
times."

To apply for extended benefits using the online option, use the same screen for filing an initial claim for benefits, and follow the prompts, agency spokeswoman Laura Hart said.

The launch of the online feature, and of an additional technology upgrade, were detailed in the Providence Journal and on its Web site on Friday.

 Tags  Laura Hart Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training Sandra Powell UI benefits UI claims unemployment benefits

---