|
||||||||||||||||||
|
Governor M. Jodi Rell today reminded Connecticut citizens that the Department of Labor’s Web site is the state’s official source of information for unemployment benefits and the only place to apply online for benefits. The Governor’s warning comes in the wake of complaints that some independent Web sites are charging users to link to Connecticut’s free benefit application or providing misleading compensation information. “Connecticut offers a full range of free services, including unemployment benefits and career services for those who wish to find a job, improve their skills or land a better job,” Governor Rell said. “I find it extremely disturbing that some sites would take advantage of people who are out of work and, very likely, have limited funds on hand.” The official Connecticut Web site is: www.ct.gov/dol. The Governor also expressed deep concerns over reports that some banks have been charging to cash State of Connecticut unemployment checks for people who do not have accounts at those banks. “These checks are exempt from such fees even if the recipient does not have an account at that bank,” Governor Rell said. “My office has received complaints, particularly involving check-cashing fees levied by the Bank of America. We have requested that the bank discontinue this practice immediately.” Under Connecticut law, workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own and are actively seeking work may be eligible to receive up to 26 weeks of benefits. Recently, the federal Labor Department authorized an additional 13 weeks of emergency benefits to eligible individuals. “There are scam artists out there trying to profit from others and obtain personal information,” said DOL Commissioner Patricia H. Mayfield. “These unofficial Internet sites use Web site addresses that resemble that of the Labor Department to entice individuals to file unemployment claims and other services. Citizens must keep in mind there is never a fee associated with filing an unemployment claim.” Unemployment claims in Connecticut can be filed by telephone or via the Internet. To file by phone, local TeleBenefits numbers are listed in the blue pages of the telephone book and on the agency’s Web site. To file online, please visit the Internet site, www.ct.gov/dol. The Internet site also provides directions to the state’s local CTWorks Career Centers, as well as job fair and other employment services available at no charge. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: State’s extended unemployment benefit system now taking claims online - Aug 15, 2008 - 12:03 PM Bysiewicz: 2nd quarter figures show Connecticut businesses not spared from national economic downturn - Aug 5, 2008 - 12:18 PM Report cites economic impact of Norwalk Community College - Jul 28, 2008 - 2:04 PM Thousands to receive letter regarding extended unemployment benefits - Jul 16, 2008 - 2:54 PM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
