ESC Web site overwhelmed by claims

The N.C. Employment Security Commission, which processes unemployment claims and benefits, is having technical problems that could delay payment for some out-of-work workers.

The agency's Web site was overwhelmed during the weekend by the volume of people filing claims and shut down. On a busy day 18 months ago, the site might get 23,000 hits, said spokesman Andy James. During the weekend, 130,000 people tried to access the system.

Joblessness has soared in the state amid the worst recession in a quarter century. In November, the most recent statistics available, unemployment in North Carolina was 7.9 percent -- the highest since October 1983.

The ESC, which is still experiencing outages, is adding a server today to help alleviate the bottleneck, James said. People can file claims through 9 p.m.

Those who were unable to file on Sunday might see benefits delayed by a day, he said.

But those who were able to get through on the Web site, www.ncesc.com, do not need to resubmit their claims, James said.

Alternatively, those who need to file an initial claim for unemployment benefits can use the agency's automated phone system by dialing 877-841-9617.