Jobless benefits call hours restricted

CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) - An increase in the number of Rhode Island residents filing for new unemployment benefits has forced the state to restrict when people can call to renew their benefits each week.

People used to be able to call an automated phone line during normal business hours.

But the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training announced Monday that it was changing those hours from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 12:01 a.m. Sunday to 7:00 a.m. Monday.

Spokeswoman Laura Hart said the restriction was made because the increase in first-time claims for unemployment benefits has tied up the call center's 140 phone lines, which are shared by live operators and the automated system.

The switch will leave more lines open for operators to help first-time filers.