Those seeking to apply for unemployment benefits — new or continued — will be unable to file until June 8.

The state Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) began transitioning from its current unemployment compensation system to a modern system Sunday, and the system will be offline Thursday through Tuesday, rendering the department unable to accept or process both new and weekly claims.

Pennsylvania's current unemployment system is 40 years old, according to DLI, and the new system, which will launch Tuesday, is touted by the state labor department as being “much easer to use,” including faster access to information and a streamlined filing process.

DLI said the new system will be mobile- and tablet-friendly, and will offer a modern interface similar to those “most people use every day.”

With any new system, however, comes the challenge of teaching it to those familiar with the older interface. DLI will host live workshops; provide video recordings and demonstrations; and offer written and visual walkthroughs of the new system. Sue Bowser, site administrator for PA CareerLink, said the county's CareerLink offices also will provide aid to anyone confused by the new system.

“They're going to have to relearn how to do it,” Bowser said of those currently receiving jobless benefits.

Anyone eligible to file for the first time — or currently receiving benefits and needing to file a biweekly claim — but were unable to file prior to the system going offline may file their claim Tuesday or for three weeks after the new system comes online.

Additionally, DLI will not accept phone claims until June 10.

Pennsylvania has planned to upgrade its unemployment system for nearly 15 years, having approved in 2006 a massive, $107 million overhaul of the unemployment system's software.