Extended Unemployment Benefits Program Now Taking Claims in Missouri

Extended Unemployment Benefits Program Now Taking Claims in Missouri

Department of Labor Extends Work Hours to Improve Customer Service

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations has extended its claims centers’ hours of operation in order to provide improved customer service. In response to a high volume of calls, the claims centers have extended their hours by an additional half hour in the morning and evening. Phone lines open at 7:30 a.m., and close at 5:30 p.m., instead of the usual 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., work shift. Missourians who may be eligible for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits may now file their claims by calling their local Regional Claims Center.

Last week, the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Division of Employment Security mailed out notices to more than 53,000 workers who are potentially eligible for EUC. The first payment of these benefits was made on Tuesday, July 15.

Claimants may be entitled to up to 13 weeks of additional benefits. To be potentially eligible for the additional weeks, Missouri workers must have exhausted their unemployment benefits after May 1, 2007, or have a benefit year ending after May 1, 2007. To file for extended benefits, individuals should call their local Regional Claims Center at the number below between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The centers typically experience their highest volume of calls on Monday and Tuesday.

Claimants should be aware that there are a significantly higher number of phone calls being received in the claims centers. If claimants get a busy signal or a message that no representatives are currently available, they should try to call later in the same week. If placed on hold, we ask that claimants be patient – a claims representative will be with them as soon as possible.

Persons filing a regular unemployment insurance (UI) claim are encouraged to access the Internet site, http://www.moclaim.com and avoid the delays currently experienced when calling the Regional Claims Centers. Doing so will also reduce the traffic on our phone lines for others wishing to call the claims centers.

Once the application for extended benefits is processed, the weekly certification (claim) can be filed using the Division’s Internet site, http://www.moclaim.com or automated telephone system.

Regional Claims Centers:

Jefferson City Regional Claims Center St. Louis Regional Claims Center

(573) 751-9040 (314) 340-4950

Kansas City Regional Claims Center Springfield Regional Claims Center

(816) 889-3101 (417) 895-6851

Outside Calling Area

(800) 320-2519