DENVER -- Colorado’s unemployment rate is expected to rise. Currently, more than 150,000 people in the state are unemployed and experts said it is only going to get worse with the downturn in the economy.

As the number of unemployed rises, so does the strain on the Department of Labor and Employment’s call center. About 4,000-5,000 people are calling a day. That’s more than double what it was a year ago.

“I have waited for 3 1/2 hours on the telephone and it is just not good,” said Codie Stichter, who is receiving unemployment benefits.

The Department of Labor said they have hired an additional 20 staff members to help.

“So we are up to 60 people in our call center to address the increase in call system,” said Cher Haavind, of the Department of Labor and Employment.

Some unemployed people fear this increased case load will hurt their benefits.

Joe Rico who is unemployed said he did not receive his money as scheduled Tuesday. Rico is not alone according to the Department of Labor.

Thousands did not get their money because of a technical glitch said Haavind.

“There was a technical glitch in transferring some data from our shop to Chase,” said Haavind.

The Department of Labor and Employment has a contract with Chase Bank which provides debit cards to unemployed people.

“That was an unforeseen technical issue we do not expect to see again,” said Haavind.

Starting Saturday December 6, the Labor Department said they will use an automated message to start calling unemployed

Coloradans who are eligible for the most recent extended unemployment the President announced earlier this month.

Because of the high volume of calls the center is receiving Haavind asks people not to call in regarding extended benefits until after they receive and listen to the automated phone call.

Anyone who needs to sign up for unemployment benefits is asked to enroll online if at all possible said Haavind in an effort to reduce wait times for those calling the center.