Pa. Dept. of Labor & Industry expands unemployment claims period to 52 weeks

Pa. Dept. of Labor & Industry expands unemployment claims period to 52 weeks

By Gabi Falk, WLVR’s Lehigh University Intern

November 10, 2020

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry announced that unemployment compensation claims will be expanded from six weeks up to 52 weeks for the period beginning Nov. 7.

WLVR’s Gabi Falk reports the department has made changes for claims to be reviewed at a faster rate. 

State Labor Secretary Jerry Oleksiak says since March, the department has worked to increase staffing levels, helping over 3 million citizens by virtual assistance and paying more than $30.5 billion in benefits.

“We will continue to work with the current administration, the new administration, to anybody that will listen to get people the benefits they need. We, the collective we, those citizens of Pennsylvania, need help and the sooner we can get it, the better it will be for everyone and the better it will be for our economy,” he said.

Oleksiak says the expansion will serve those who filed unemployment compensation claims early on in the pandemic, but were unable to connect with staff.

Claimants seeking to file a backdated claim are encouraged to email or call the department. 

This story is part of a collaboration between WLVR News and Lehigh University’s Department of Journalism & Communication. View all student stories.

Sign up for our WLVR weekly newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news from the Lehigh Valley and across Pennsylvania.