The state Department of Labor has issued over 35,000 Montanans unemployment benefits since the breakout of COVID-19 sent thousands out of work.
However, the task hasn’t been seamless after the MontanaWorks.org website crashed from the unprecedented number of requests.
Sincethen, the Department of Labor streamlined its technology to accommodate the increase in demand.
Officials also reported this week that the unemployment phone line was busy with some 470,000 phone calls from Montanans seeking benefits.
As a result, 70 people were trained to help answer those calls from Montanans with calls of questions for help.
Also, as the volume of requests increases, officials say they’ll be bringing back retired staff members to help.
