Oklahoma Agency Hires More To Keep Up With Record Number Of Unemployment Claims

Oklahoma is experiencing a record number of unemployment claims and that is causing major problems with the agency’s phone lines and website.

The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission Executive Director Robin Roberson said they received 40,000 phone calls before 1:30 p.m. Monday. 

Robert Brian and his wife have a couple Airbnbs and an Internet sales website. Now, their business has dwindled to nothing.

“We’re living off our savings is what we’re doing,” he told News 9 on Monday.

So for the past week, he's been trying to apply for unemployment. When he tries to apply online, either the website is down or tells him to call the agency. When he calls, he has to sit through a several minute recording only to be hung up on at the end.

Another viewer said she has tried to get through more than 60 times, all with that same result.

“I could have a staff of 2,000 people and not get to all the calls,” Roberson said. “I understand people are anxious and just want to talk to somebody I get that.”

Roberson said over the weekend, they hired 80 new people who are taking calls now and will add another 50 people overnight. They are ramping up to be open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. and then 24 hours in a couple weeks.

Right now, she said folks need to apply and try and get questions answered online. They just launched an artificial intelligence bot at oesc.ok.gov.

“I just hope people understand we are moving as quickly as possible,” Roberson said. 

The agency is also planning a virtual town hall at 1 p.m. on Friday to answer questions.