Since March 27th, the Louisiana Workforce Commission has paid $561 million in unemployment benefits to 302,000 claimants. LWC executive director Ava Dejoie says when you compare the numbers to last year, it shows the massive impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the state’s workforce.
“In all of last year, we paid out $151 million, so in four weeks to have that significant of an increase is nothing short of mindblowing,” said Dejoie.
Last year, there were only 103,000 claimants.
Dejoie says beginning Sunday, the LWC will allow individuals to file their weekly certifications based on the last digit of their social security number.
“So Sunday, 0-3; Monday, those with numbers ending between 4 and 6; Tuesday 7-9 and then Wednesday through Saturday, we can accept all numbers,” said Dejoie.
Dejoie says they are currently in the process of adding an additional server to its network to be able to handle more online volume.
“We’re constantly looking at ways that we can improve and provide a better customer experience so that we are serving everyone that we can,” said Dejoie.
Dejoie says all individuals will get the payments they are entitled to retroactive to April 4 and for any other time period related to COVID-19 events.
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