The Employment Security Commission said today it is expanding its call center hours to help the 38,000 people affected by the $28 million in overpayments the agency made to longtime unemployed workers.
The ESC's call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The call center can be reached by calling 1-888-737-0259.
The ESC said today it is continuing discussions with the U.S. Department of Labor over the overpayment issue.
The deductions in benefits that the ESC began making this week have not yet been halted.
Many of those affected will receive their next benefit payment early next week.
Business reporter David Bracken came to the N&O in 2004. He covers commercial and residential real estate. Contact David at 919-829-4548 or