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File by phone system in place for jobless apps

Date Posted: September 5 2003

The state's telephone system for accepting unemployment claims is open for business in western Michigan and unemployed workers are being encouraged to use it.

"The phone process for filing unemployment claims is faster and more convenient and will save jobless workers in Western Michigan the time and expense of driving long distances as they did in the past when applying for benefits," said David Hollister, director of the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services.

"In addition, the telephone process gives workers immediate confirmation that their applications have been received and entered into the system, removing one of the major uncertainties that unemployed workers have with the current mail-in process."

The telephone filing system now serves all of western Michigan, as well as northern lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The system will accept calls from the following area codes: 269. 616, 231, 989, 906, 705 and 715. Callers from outside those area codes will be directed to file their unemployment claims by mail or via the Internet, at www.michigan.gov/bwuc.

The toll-free number in those areas is (866) 500-0017, to file new claims for unemployment benefits as well as additional claims.

The BWUC is phasing the system in, starting with the state's less-populated areas.