Q&A: Filing unemployment claims amid virus-related job losses
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has experienced record-setting or higher-than-average unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency announced on July 27 that those who have maxed out their state benefits may now continue to receive regular state unemployment benefits for up to an additional 13 weeks.
How long does it take to get the benefits?
Typically, the wait time from the start of the process to when the applicant receives benefits is 12 to 14 days after they are approved. The approval letter could come up to 20 days after applying.
On March 19, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an order that temporarily suspended the one-week waiting period before unemployment benefits can be paid.
What if I still technically have a job?
Employees who are not formally laid off but have their hours reduced to zero can still apply for benefits.
Full-time employees whose hours are reduced to less than 32 hours are considered part-time and eligible to file for benefits under certain conditions.
How long can I receive benefits?
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission announced on July 27 that those who have maxed out their state benefits may now continue to receive regular state unemployment benefits for up to an additional 13 weeks.
Traditionally, those out-of-work may claim unemployment insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks per year.
What if I need additional assistance with my claim?
Assistance can be found at OESC’s 27 regional offices, which are continuing to see claimants in person — with masks required and social distancing in effect. Regional office staff also can assist claimants over the phone via their local office number.
Click here to see all American Job Center locations in the state.
How many Oklahomans filed for unemployment during the pandemic?
The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has experienced record-setting or higher-than-average unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state unemployment rate was 6.6% in June after peaking in April at 13.7%. The unemployment rate in May was 12.6%. An estimated 116,602 were considered out of work in June; as of October, 884,252 initial claims for jobless benefits have been filed in Oklahoma.
Curtis Killman
Tulsa World Staff Writer
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First-time unemployment claims in Oklahoma jumped over 800% to record levels last week, direct evidence of the toll business closures and other restrictions have taken on the economy as officials try to minimize the spread of coronavirus.
Fraudsters offer to help with claims for a fee
Q&A: Filing unemployment claims amid virus-related job losses
If initial claims maintain the same filing pace this week, it means more initial claims have been filed in the past three weeks than all of 2019, when about 100,000 claims were filed.
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The U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday that 32,127 individuals filed claims last week in Oklahoma, or 1,313 fewer from the prior week when 33,440 filed for benefits, according to adjusted figures.
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The U.S. Department of Labor reported that 56,737 workers filed initial jobless claims during the week ending Saturday, unadjusted figures indicate.
The revised total for the week ending June 13 put Oklahoma at No. 1 in the nation for the increased number of claims compared to the prior week.
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The agency in charge of managing unemployment insurance has extended the period one can receive regular unemployment benefits by 13 weeks.
Q&A: Filing unemployment claims amid virus-related job losses
The unemployment rate in the Tulsa metro area was more than double the pace prior to the COVID-19 pandemic's reaching the state in mid-March, when the government recommended that people stay at home and forced some businesses to temporarily shut down to stem the spread of the deadly virus.
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The Labor Department reported receiving 5,720 initial claims for jobless benefits in Oklahoma during the week ending Saturday, a 36% decline from the prior week when 8,927 filed, according to revised figures.
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