The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) has announced the closure of agency buildings to the public to protect the health and safety of our clients and staff during the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, while ensuring Montanans are still able to access all usual programs and services.
All DLI offices will be closed to the general public beginning Monday, March 23, until further notice.
“Since Montana is such a vast state, DLI already offers all Department resources by phone, email, or online,” Acting Commissioner Brenda Nordlund said. “We have a robust infrastructure in place to continue serving Montanans at this time and are expanding the tools already in use until we can resume in-person services.”
Montanans can expect the following changes:
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
DLI will shift additional staff to serve Montanans through the UI Claims Processing Center. UI staff will be available to answer questions at (406) 444-2545. Those without access to a computer can call this number to file a claim Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Claims Processing Center handles a high volume of calls per day.
Montanans can file a claim for unemployment benefits at MontanaWorks.gov. A tutorial on how users can apply for benefits on MontanaWorks is available on the DLI YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEYaWXATES4&t=19s.
Montanans are also encouraged to reach out to the Claims Processing Center by email at UIClaims@mt.gov.
Last week Montana implemented emergency rules to make unemployment benefits accessible to workers laid off due to COVID-19 and waive the typical one week waiting period before receiving benefits. Since the implementation of the emergency rules, DLI has seen a unprecedented uptick in claims filed, with approximately 14,000 claims filed over the last seven days.
Employers are encouraged to sign up for the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) to receive next-day claims-related notices electronically. Prompt review of incoming notices by employers, combined with a quick response when appropriate, will help prevent fraudulent COVID-19 claims. To sign-up, visit uieservices.mt.gov or call (406) 444-3834 (select option 2) for help.
For more UI information for both claimants and employers, visit uid.dli.mt.gov/.
Job Service Montana
All Job Service Montana resources for businesses and job-seekers are available by phone, email, or online at MontanaWorks.gov. Job Service staff will continue to provide all usual services and resources to their service areas.
In addition, Job Service staff are able to assist Montanans with filing for unemployment benefits. Montanans that have experienced layoffs or a reduction in work hours due to COVID-19 are encouraged to call their local Job Service Montana for assistance with UI questions and claims.
For a list of all Job Service offices across the state and their contact information, visit montanaworks.gov/job-service-montana.
Employment Relations Division
For all Employment Relations resources, including wage and hour information, wage claims, and workplace safety, visit erd.dli.mt.gov/. Employment relations specialists with the Compliance and Investigations Bureau will available by phone at (406) 444-6543.
The Montana Human Rights Bureau can be reached at (406) 444-4356 or at 1-800-542-0807. Information and resources are available at http://erd.dli.mt.gov/human-rights/filing-a-complaint?pk_vid=792d98a7a1938a2e1584818543dd474f.
Office of Administrative Hearings
Office of Administrative Hearings resources and information can be found at dli.mt.gov/hearings, or by calling the Office of Administrative Hearings at (406) 444-4662.
Occupational Licensing, Building Codes and Weights & Measures
For all Business Standards information, including Weights & Measures, Occupational licensing, building permits and codes, and other resources can be found by visiting bsd.dli.mt.gov/, or by phone at (406) 841-2300.
DLI has implemented an interstate licensure recognition registration for our of state licensees in response to COVID-19. Licensed professionals from out of state can register in Montana to work for a defined period of time. The application registration form can be accessed here. Completed applications can be submitted to interstatereg@dlibsd.mt.gov.
For more information on all DLI services and resources, visit dli.mt.gov. Individuals with general inquiries can contact DLI by phone at (406) 444-2840, or by email at dliquestions.gov.
DLI is working hard to provide up-to-date information and timely resources during this time of need. A resource guide is available for Montana workers and employers impacted by COVID-19 at http://dli.mt.gov/employer-covid-19.
