Starting Tuesday, the state Department of Labor and Industry suspended two policies that could help those seeking unemployment compensation benefits.

The period known as “Waiting Week” is suspended. Previously, claimants were not eligible for benefits during their first week of unemployment.

Now allowing eligible claimants may receive benefits for the first week that they are unemployed.

The department has also suspended the “Work Search and Work Registration” requirements for all claimants.

This means claimants are not required to prove they have applied or searched for a new job to maintain their benefits.

Claimants are also not required to register with www.PACareerLink.gov.

At this time, benefits are not being extended beyond 26 weeks.

The Butler County Unemployment Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday and can be reached by calling 888-313-7284.

The fastest way to apply for benefits is through the department's website, https://www.paclaims.pa.gov/UCEN.

For more information, visit https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/covid19.aspx