Oregon Employment Division Offers Tips as Jobless Rate Soars

Going online is the fastest way to file for unemployment.

Oregon Employment Division building in Salem Photo by Tim King Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - The Oregon Department is experiencing an unusually high number of calls to its unemployment insurance call centers for this time of year, according to Tom Fuller with the WorkSource Oregon Employment Department.

"More than 70,000 Oregonians are currently on unemployment, meaning the crush of unemployment claims that normally occur in January and February have come early."

Fuller says that to ensure claims for benefits are filed quickly, the Employment Department recommends going online.

Individuals can file their initial claim for unemployment benefits on the Internet at WorkingInOregon.org/ocs. By clicking on the option “File for Unemployment,” individuals can file their claim quickly and securely. Also located on the Web site is in-depth information about unemployment insurance, including a frequently asked questions section.

Individuals without access to the Internet, or who have complex unemployment insurance claims, can call the Unemployment Insurance Center during non-peak hours for help.

The Unemployment Insurance Center receives its highest call volume on Mondays and Tuesdays. The department recommends individuals call in on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. Phone numbers for the Unemployment Insurance Centers are: (877) 877-1781 in the Portland metro area; (877) 728-7970 in the southwest part of the state; or, (800) 663-7914 east of the Cascades.

Fuller says the Oregon Employment Department works to support Oregonians during times of unemployment. Job seekers can find a full range of employment services at the department’s WorkSource Centers and Business and Employment Services offices throughout the state. For more information, visit the department’s Web site at WorkingInOregon.org.

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