The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) has launched a new initiative aimed at improving service for Unemployment Compensation (UC) claimants and offering valuable work experience to individuals with disabilities through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). A new call center (1-855-284-8545) has been established, allowing UC claimants to schedule UC Connect appointments at PA CareerLink® locations and seek help with routine inquiries. The center, staffed by OVR clients, operates Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, aiming to enhance the UC system’s efficiency.
L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker highlighted this initiative as a dual benefit, providing job experience for OVR customers and improving service for UC claimants. Following Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to reform, L&I has made strides in customer service, distributing over $1.7 billion in UC benefits in 2023 to approximately 326,000 Pennsylvanians. With increased resources allocated in the 2023-24 budget, L&I aims to further enhance customer service and expedite claim processing in 2024. In January 2024 alone, L&I processed 62,784 claims and distributed $228,318,660 in benefits to 121,689 claimants.
L&I’s customer service in January included support through a UC helpline, live chat, and email, benefiting over 132,702 individuals in total, and offered in-person services to 4,127 people via the UC Connect program at PA CareerLink® locations. Additionally, L&I provides Rapid Response Services to businesses and workers facing job losses due to various circumstances, offering assistance to 46 employers and 1,704 workers in January. This initiative underscores L&I’s commitment to supporting Pennsylvania’s workforce and employers through innovative solutions and dedicated resources.
