How to file for unemployment in Indiana if your job is affected by coronavirus

The coronavirus outbreak in Indiana is changing the way we work, eat, and enjoy our leisure time.

It's also causing job interruptions or layoffs for service industry workers, especially those in the bar and restaurant industry, which has struggled with sales over the past few weeks and now faces a governor-mandated closure to in-person patrons through the end of March.

If the coronavirus has changed your employment situation, here's how you can file now, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

What has changed

All WorkOne centers are now closed: The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has announced that its Downtown Indianapolis office at the Indiana Government Center — as well as all WorkOne centers statewide — are now closed to the public.

The notice from DWD said the decision to close the offices was made to protect the health of Indiana residents and abide by social-distancing guidelines in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Individuals must now apply for unemployment benefits online using a computer, tablet or smart phone. Online filing information can be found at www.unemployment.in.gov. 

Indiana unemployment:Your questions answered

You also can reach DWD via email or telephone at AskUIContactCenter@dwd.IN.gov or 1-800-891-6499.

“We made the difficult decision to close the offices in light of state and federal guidelines restricting public interactions,” DWD Commissioner Fred Payne said. “Our online system helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and provides efficient processing of claims for unemployment insurance benefits.”

Numbers of unemployed Hoosiers:  For the past month, Gov. Eric Holcomb and Payne have mentioned the large increase in the number of Hoosiers filing for unemployment due to the coronavirus shutdown. The number of new claims filed by Hoosiers over the past five weeks is now more than 515,000.

However, Payne said on Thursday, April 23, that weekly claims had actually dropped to 75,483 (from 118,184 the previous week). More than one million payments to the tune of $470 million have been made. Payne also said on Thursday that about 350,000 Hoosiers are now receiving unemployment benefits checks.

Big number:More than 75K additional Indiana workers apply for unemployment insurance

Average wait time: Payne said 21 days is still the average wait time for unemployment claims to be paid out by the state, though some may be paid sooner or later.

Benefits for the self-employed: Payne said on Thursday, April 23, at the governor's daily news conference on the coronavirus, that the DWD will begin accepting applications for federal pandemic unemployment assistance, or PUA, on Friday, April 24, and that they will aim to begin such payments by May 8. 

The federal CARES Act created the the PUA program to temporarily extend benefits to self-employed people and gig economy workers if their income has been cut or eliminated by the pandemic.

New help for Hoosiers:Self-employed, independent Indiana workers can apply for unemployment insurance

Continued unemployment eligibility: A news release from the governor's office on Thursday said the Department of Workforce Development will allow individuals to continue to accrue unemployment eligibility if they take work leave because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The release also said the DWD will seek federal authorization to provide unemployment benefits for those people not otherwise eligible, such as individuals who recently started a job. Benefits also will be paid to those who file their initial unemployment claims late. 

"The state will interpret Indiana’s unemployment laws to the broadest extent possible to cover Hoosiers who are out of work because of COVID-19," the news release said.

Exemption for in-person visits: Under the old rules, Indiana resident were required after receiving their fourth week of benefits to visit their local WorkOne offices in person for a review of their work-search efforts and to learn more about WorkOne services. Now, anyone currently receiving unemployment benefits or those who received letters in the mail requiring them to attend orientation workshops are now exempt from previous requirements to visit WorkOne Indy offices in person.

Indiana coronavirus updates:Restaurants must close to dine-in; Indy travel advisory

Closure of auxiliary sites: WorkOne Indy said it will temporarily discontinue community services at embedded locations, because of the temporary closure of the Indianapolis Public Library and adult education locations due to the coronavirus.

Curtailing of some services: The DWD said some non-required, onsite workshops may be offered less or be temporarily suspended to accommodate staffing levels that could be impacted by the pandemic. That includes the cancellation until further notice of Wednesdays at WorkOne, a weekly job fair at WorkOne Indy.  

This could 'push over the edge':Indianapolis hospitals gear up for coronavirus surge

What is staying the same

Online services: However, the DWD said Monday that it will continue to provide and maintain resources for job seekers during the outbreak, and it encouraged those seeking benefits to first apply through their website at https://www.in.gov/dwd/2334.htm. Information about payment, benefits, claims and vouchers, and answers to frequently asked questions, are available at https://www.in.gov/dwd/3704.htm.

'March is going to be horrible':Indianapolis restaurants, hotels brace for economic loss

Job services: Job seekers will still be available to receive the following services:

• Job search assistance
• 1:1 career navigation
• Career development tools
• Assistance with filing for unemployment benefits

Virtual job fairs

Payne, the DWD commissioner, said his agency will continue to sponsor virtual job fairs about job openings with area employers targeted to Hoosiers in different parts of the state. To learn more about these job opportunities, go to dwd.in.gov and scroll down to the section called News and Events.

Free financial counseling

DWD also said Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office, in partnership with EmployIndy, will offer free financial counseling through Pete the Planner. Individuals interested in this service can send an email to recover@petetheplanner.com.

Job board, other services

Job seekers also can receive career development tips and additional information to aid their job hunt at workoneindy.com. On employindy.org, the Job Board will remain available and be regularly updated by staff.

All of IndyStar's coverage of coronavirus is being provided for free to our readers. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to IndyStar at indystar.com/subscribe.

Call IndyStar digital producer Dwight Adams at 317-444-6532. Follow him on Twitter: @hdwightadams.