Conn. jobless call centers open on President's Day

WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (AP) — The Connecticut Department of Labor says its call centers will be open on President's Day to help jobless workers file unemployment claims.

The TeleBenefits call centers will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday for callers to speak with a representative to file an initial claim, re-open a claim or answer questions.

Labor Commissioner Sharon Palmer says the beginning of the year is traditionally a busy time for the agency with unemployment claims because of seasonal shutdowns or layoffs.

She says the call centers also are needed because they were closed during last week's snow storm.

Despite the improving economy, the state Department of Labor says it's issuing about 100,000 benefits payments each week and helping hundreds of residents seeking employment services.