The Louisiana Unemployment Office (officially referred to as the Louisiana Workforce Commission or LWC) has started processing unemployment benefit payments. Meanwhile, the agency is still working hard to improve its ability to take new and pay existing unemployment claims, from the damage caused by Hurricane Gustav.
Among other measures, the Louisiana Unemployment Office has managed to get its Web site back up and running. If you need to apply for unemployment benefits or submit continuing weekly claims, the Louisiana Unemployment Office recommends that you do so through its site.
The agency has also added an additional call center number to better handle the volume of new unemployment claims, for those who don’t have Internet access. The new number, 1-800-957-1605, is only for filing new unemployment claims. For matters other than filing a new claim for benefits, call the usual number 1-866-783-5567.
The call center is operating from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, until further notice. If you have trouble getting through, be patient, as the volume of calls is unprecedented; keep trying or try one of the alternatives mentioned above and below.
Open Business and Career Solutions Centers, generally referred to as Career One-Stop Centers and variations, are also taking claims for unemployment benefits. According to a press release on September 5, open Centers are located in Bogalusa, Hammond, Lafayette, Lake Charles and DeRidder. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
To locate one of those open Centers, see the list of all Louisiana Career One-Stop Centers provided by the Career One-Stop System or call 1-877-872-5627 (TTY: 1-877- 889-5627). Career One-Stop Centers in other damaged areas will reopen as soon as possible. “Comprehensive” Centers provide the same services as does the Louisiana Unemployment Office, such as taking new and continuing claims for unemployment benefits.
The Louisiana Unemployment Office has set up mobile Centers to take claims for unemployment benefits, until more of the permanent Centers reopen. Mobile Centers are now open at the following locations.
- 1991 Wooddale Blvd., Baton Rouge
- 807 Barrow St., Houma
- 1721 South Burnside Ave., Gonzales
- 1900 Lafayette St., Gretna on the West Bank
On September 3, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) are in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Houma, Shreveport and other areas of Louisiana. DPNs are specialists who connect disabled persons with job opportunities and government services. Call the DOL’s National Contact Center at 1-866-487-2365 (TTY: 1-877-889-5627) for more information.
Hurricane Gustav Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Hurricane Gustav Disaster Unemployment Assistance is now available in 36 parishes. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is for victims of Hurricane Gustav who are not eligible for standard unemployment benefits or extended unemployment benefits. The deadline to file a claim for Hurricane Gustav Disaster Unemployment Assistance is October 6 or 10, 2008, depending on the parish.
To file a DUA claim, vist the Web site of the Louisiana Unemployment Office (the recommended method) or call 1-800-957-1605; alternately, visit a comprehensive Career One-Stop Center or a mobile Center as indicated above.
See the press release “Disaster Unemployment Assistance available for victims of Hurricane Gustav” for more information about DUA.
Other Hurricane Gustav Disaster Assistance
As a result of President Bush’s Hurricane Gustav Disaster Declaration, disaster recovery assistance is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more information, see Apply for Assistance at the FEMA Web site or call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585).
The American Red Cross is prepared to provide you with humanitarian assistance if you need it, such as shelter, food and clothing.
To stay up to date on disaster recovery and unemployment assistance, watch the press releases published by Emergency.louisiana.gov.
