The state is continuing to have trouble processing unemployment benefits despite hiring extra help to handle increased jobless claims.

According to the state Labor Department, 70 employees were hired to deal with the unemployment claim increases. Nearly 30 of those workers, however, are still being trained.

Many residents say they?ve been unable to connect to an operator in order to register via phone.

?I should be working right now ? and I can?t cause I have to be here,? says Terry Hawtin, of Manasquan. Hawtin says she has been trying to obtain her unemployment check for a week.

According to the state, 130 new workers in total should be ready by January to help handle the load of new jobless claims.

The Department of Labor is advising applicants to call later in the day for the best chance to reach an operator. It also says callers should check the department?s Web site first to see if they qualify for unemployment benefits.