Montgomery, AL – Rising unemployment has caused the state to start scheduling jobless calls. State Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees said the schedule is designed to decrease the time that people spend waiting on the phone.
Previously, unemployed Alabamians could call a toll-free number at the Department of Industrial Relations on any business day to apply for benefits. Mondays will be reserved for people with Social Security numbers ending in digits zero through four. Tuesdays will be reserved for people with Social Security numbers ending in five through nine. Anyone can call to apply on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Alabama's unemployment rate in October was 5.6 percent, which was up from 3.5 percent a year ago. Alabama's rate was the state's highest in nearly five years.
People applying for unemployment benefits can call 1-866-234-5382.