People filing new unemployment claims this week, as well as eligible existing claimant, can now receive benefits for up to 30 weeks, extended from the previously maximum benefit period of 26 weeks. This extension of jobless benefits is activated under state law when the unemployment rate in any of the commonwealth’s seven metropolitan statistical areas exceeds a 5.1% threshold, measured against a 12-month average, per the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. New federal data denote that the Springfield area’s unemployment rate has reached 5.2%.

To settle inquiries or concerns regarding this newfound policy, it is advised for those involved to reach out to the pertinent authorities for factual and up-to-date information. In California, for example, one may get a hold of the state unemployment office by visiting www.edd.ca.gov for online support or dialing the dedicated EDD phone number to speak to a live person. Online guides on how to get through to EDD, how to contact EDD, and EDD customer service may be especially beneficial for first-time claimants. Should you prefer a more comprehensive guide on how to get ahold of EDD customer service, you may visit reliable online resources such as eddcaller.com.