The State Labor Department says a significant number of people are filing for unemployment insurance due to COVID-19, and some are having difficulty connecting with the state because the online application is not designed for smartphone use.
Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman suggests that those who can’t apply online call their local career center. She says staffers will answer the phone and walk applicants through the process. And Fortman says additional staff are being added.
“Two weeks ago we had 13 people. We now have about 30 people, and we are hiring additional people, bringing in retirees and doing everything we can to ramp up as quickly as possible.”
Fortman, a guest Wednesday on Maine Calling, says the Department is asking the public to be patient.
