Starting Monday, Washington’s unemployment-claims phone line will be open one hour earlier each day to receive benefit applications or questions from unemployed workers.

Intake agents are now available 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to assist unemployed workers with their claims for benefits. The call centers will keep extended hours through Jan. 31.

Call centers are at their busiest during the winter months, when industries such as construction and agriculture are in their off-season.

“It’s important for us to provide the highest level of service we can, and expanding our call-center hours will help as our call volumes increase this winter,” said Employment Security Commissioner Paul Trause.

Claimants can cut down on their wait times by doing the following:

• Apply for benefits and submit weekly claims online. This service is available 24 hours a day at www.esd.wa.gov. The online system has been improved to allow more people to file claims at the same time.

• Use virtual hold. During busy times, callers can choose to be called back instead of waiting on hold.

• Call later in the week. For new applications, Thursday and Friday mornings are the least busy times in the call centers. The best time to file weekly claims via the automated phone system is Tuesday through Thursday after 5 p.m.

• Be ready. Have information available regarding your previous employers for the past two years: business name, mailing address and employment dates.