The Sidney Job Service wants to reach out to the community and let area residents know that they are still operating to assist the community throughout the COVID-19 crisis. They have been inundated with unemployment application assistance requests these weeks, but they still can be reached.
The Montana Job Service offices throughout the state are available to assist residents in various ways throughout the COVID-19 crisis and its recovery process. These weeks the primary way Job Service offices are helping residents is by providing a link to Unemployment Assistance and helping applicants get through the process by answering questions. There are 70 job service staff across the state that have undergone training for this specific task--to assist in commonly-asked questions including limited assistance with the MontanaWorks.gov site.
Sidney Job Service wants the community to be aware of the services they offer and how they are doing that through this pandemic. Workforce consultants can assist answering Unemployment Insurance questions over the phone, or by email. Additionally, there are still the usual services offered, which many might find the need develop as the situation and the crisis drags on, such as resume assistance or the accessibility of training programs.
Like many states across the U.S., Montana’s unemployment claims portal initially was overloaded with an unprecedented increase in claimants. Over the last several weeks the system was updated to better handle the increased demand to the portal and paving the way for easier access to UI benefits.
In order to comply with the new coverage and benefits provisions in the CARES Act, all states, including Montana, will have to implement significant changes to computer systems in order to get payments to individuals. States are working with the U.S. Department of Labor and will implement changes as quickly as possible.
The Act includes numerous provisions that affect UI. Workers who are not eligible under traditional unemployment, such as gig economy workers, self-employed individuals, or workers paid by 1099, may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits under the CARES Act. More information for Montana residents on these changes will be posted at dli.mt.gov/cares-act.
Montanans impacted by the shutdown are encouraged to file for unemployment benefits the same week a person becomes unemployed at the montanaworks.gov website.
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry has a wide range of resources available for both Montana businesses and employees impacted by COVID-19. Job Service is advising clients to visit dli.mt.gov/covid-19. A variety of FAQs, resources, video guides are available to help Montanans with their unemployment claims and other COVID-19 related questions.
A landing page for easy access to relevant Labor Market Information, including daily UI claims is available at: dli.mt.gov/labor-market-information.
Sidney Job Service wants the community to know that all Montana Department of Labor & Industry offices are closed temporarily to limit the spread of COVID-19.
As Montana is such a vast state, all Job Service Montana services and resources for both businesses and job seekers are available by phone, email, or online at MontanaWorks.gov. Those in Sidney and the surrounding area can call Job Service at 406-433-1204, or email [email protected].
While the physical offices are closed, they are continuing to work and are available for Sidney and the surrounding area. They are continuing to offer the services they’ve always offered, but just delivering them in a different manner.
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