Getting benefits to the jobless

Your article “Jobless benefit phones jammed” (April 9) described the frustrations that some laid-off workers have when they try to file for benefits by phone.

Unfortunately, the article ignored the progress that the Employment Development Department has made in reducing delays at call centers -- despite a spike in claims, an unprecedented cut in federal funding and reliance on a 30-year-old computer system that we are replacing.

In March, we answered nearly twice as many calls a day as we did in January, and reduced by 55% the number of calls that went unanswered the prior March because agents were busy with other claimants. Most important for claimants, checks are being sent in a timely manner.

We pledge to do whatever we can to improve service. The fastest way to file for unemployment remains online at www.ca.edd.gov.

Patrick W. Henning,

Director

California Employment Development Department