Job Centers closed to public

The Imperial County Workforce and Economic Development Office announced it is taking various precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and clients during the current COVID-19 emergency.

As of Tuesday, all American Job Centers of California are closed to the public. The computer banks at the comprehensive AJCC’s located in El Centro, Calexico and Brawley will be available for limited services by appointment only.

Call the numbers below for assistance:

• El Centro AJCC — (442) 265-7579

• Brawley AJCC — (442) 265-5376

• Calexico AJCC — (442) 265-6192

The AJCC satellite offices in Winterhaven, Calipatria and at 2799 S. Fourth St. in El Centro are closed until further notice.

These locations will not have personal available to answer questions related to unemployment insurance claims; however, will be able to assist clients without a computer or connectivity to open unemployment insurance benefit claims. Clients may also access information at www.ivworkforce. com.

The Employment Development Department provides a variety of support services to individuals affected by COVID-19 in California.

For those whose employers have reduced their work hours or shut down operations due to COVID-19, they can file an unemployment insurance claim.

The unemployment insurance program pays benefits to workers who have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced as a result of the COVID-19 mitigation measures. Those who have filed a claim must continue to certify for benefits and meet eligibility requirement each week in order to receive benefit payments.

Those unable to work due to having or being exposed to COVID-19 (certified by a medical professional) can file a disability insurance claim. Disability insurance provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness or injury.

The fastest and most effective way to file a claim for unemployment insurance or disability insurance is online at www.edd.ca.gov/ui_online.

Call unemployment insurance staff at (800) 300-5616 or SI at (800) 480-3287.

Make an appointment by calling the Calexico EDD at (760) 357-7760 or email WSBARU048ImperialValley@edd.ca.gov, or the El Centro office at (760) 339-2722 or email WSBARU048ImperialValley@edd.ca.gov. Those emailing or calling should include full contact information in order to be contacted by a representative as quickly as possible.

ICWED said it is postponing all public events, including job fairs, onsite recruitments, workshops and other events until further notice. Updates will be provided as new developments arise.

—Tom Bodus, tbodus@ivpressonline.com