Georgia DOL Increases Online and Phone Access to Services

(TNS) — In response to the recent development of COVID-19, the Georgia Department of Labor is temporarily suspending in-person requirements for services provided by the agency. In accordance with Gov. Brian Kemp’s recommendation, the GDOL is providing online access to unemployment services, partial claim access for employers, and resources for other re-employment assistance. Without having to visit a local career center, resources can be found on the agency’s homepage at www.gdol.ga.gov.

If a claimant does not have access to the Internet, the GDOL is providing assistance for filing a claim by phone by contacting their local career center. To file a claim via phone, claimants will need to expect lengthy wait times due to the time it takes to properly process the filing of a claim.

“In an effort to simplify this process for the citizens of Georgia, the GDOL has worked to provide viable options for those in need of unemployment support,” Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler said. “We are in uncharted territory regarding unemployment during this time of crisis, but this agency is working diligently to provide alternative solutions for workforce challenges.”

To avoid the traditional in-person process:

• Unemployment claims can be filed online (on a computer or smartphone) without reporting to a career center;
• Employers must file partial claims online on behalf of temporarily laid-off employees;
• Re-employment support services can be accessed online;
• Continue to monitor the department’s website at www.gdol.ga.gov for any updates to these guidelines.

The Georgia Department of Labor strives to increase economic opportunity for all Georgians through strategic collaboration, innovative technology solutions, and cutting-edge work force initiatives. For more information, visit gdol.ga.gov. To view the latest job listings in Georgia, visit employgeorgia.com.

©2020 The Albany Herald, Ga. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.