Regional News

Unemployment Benefit Frustrations Continue With New Frances Online

(Salem, OR) -- More people receiving unemployment benefits in Oregon are learning how to use the new Frances Online system. The number of weekly claims increased from 81 percent to 87 percent. But, people who can't get the new system to work for them have been frustrated with long wait times at the call center. About a third of calls wait over an hour, and in some cases several hours. The Employment Department recommends using online self-help tools, videos and FAQs to get answers. The call center is funded by the federal government, and the funding doesn't allow for enough call-takers. The Oregon Legislature passed a bill to spend state money on the problem. It's waiting for the Governor's signature and would take several months to hire and train new workers.

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