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Friday's planned shutdown of state government has prompted the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training to tinker a bit with a schedule that affects people who are collecting unemployment insurance benefits.

At issue is the process of certifying, by phone, that you are able to work and actively seeking work. You must complete this certification process each week -- by dialing the agency's TeleServe line at (401) 243-9600 -- to ensure that you promptly receive your current weekly payment for unemployment benefits.

Typically, you certify at some point between Sunday and Friday of each week. And most beneficiaries typically certify early in the week, usually on Sunday.

But if you're among those haven't already certified, do so soon: Friday is not an option this week, because of the planned shutdown. Thus, you'll only have until 1 p.m. on Thursday to certify and promptly receive your current payment, agency spokeswoman Laura Hart said.

If you miss the Thursday deadline, you'd still be able to certify and obtain your payment, she said. But the payment would be delayed, probably by a few days. (Contact the agency for guidance.)

The TeleServe line is normally open only after business hours. But the agency said it is opening the line during regular business hours this Thursday to accommodate beneficiaries who have yet to certify this week.

 Tags  Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training unemployment unemployment benefits

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