SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Employment Development Department services are temporarily closed to in-person services at San Diego Workforce Partnership Career Centers.
According to officials with the Workforce Partnership, walk-ins won’t be accepted, however some services will be available by appointment only.
“Our resources have always been available online, and actually the number one way people file for unemployment in or out of a public health emergency is online,” said Andrew Picard, chief program Officer at the San Diego Workforce Partnership.
Picard said if people don't have a computer or internet access, don't worry, the phone still works. Career agents and advisors with the organization can walk you through a job search or the unemployment process.
“We have teams of career agents and advisors standing by over the phone and with online tools to do virtual meetings,” Picard said. “A great deal of resources and programs that are still in operation and still available to the community.”
Unemployment assistance isn’t just for people who recently lost their job.
According to the Employment Development Department, “You are encouraged to apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits if you are unemployed, which includes reasons such as, your hours are reduced due to the quarantine, you were separated from your employer during the quarantine, you are subject to a quarantine required by a medical professional or state or local health officer.”
Last week Governor Gavin Newsom sped up the time it takes to get financial assistance. An executive order signed by the Newsom waives the one-week waiting period for people who are unemployed and/or disabled as a result of COVID-19.
On Wednesday, the United States Senate passed a coronavirus response measure to provide sick leave and free testing.
"Hang in there,” Picard said. “There’s a lot of support out there to support you to find work or to maintain and keep your employment."
For more information, connect with your local career center
This page includes all COVID-19 updates related to job seeker services.
For more information from the State of California
For more unemployment help over the phone you can call 1-800-300-5616.
