November 13, 2013
The situation continues to erode for state unemployment insurance programs as they struggle to meet the demands placed on them since the Great Recession. A report by the National Employment Law Project explains why things are unlikely to improve anytime soon.
State unemployment insurance offices were dealt numerous blows during the past few years:
According to the report, claims in 2010 were 294 percent higher than they were in 2007, but UI administrative funding only rose by 65 percent. In 2012, claims dropped to 155 percent of their 2007 levels, however, funding has also fallen 20 percent since 2010.
SUI offices rely on archaic systems to process claims.
The rise in claims also put added pressure on the outdated systems that many unemployment offices used to process claims. According to the report, the majority of UI operations are performed using software from the 1970s and '80s. As of 2009, Missouri was using a 46-year-old benefit system.
Some states recently attempted to update that software and ran into a new set of problems. Systems installed in Massachusetts and California both encountered glitches that delayed payments, and in some cases unemployed workers were erroneously sent bills instead of checks.
Nonprofit organizations can exit these unstable systems
The pressure on the SUI departments and their computer systems all contribute to a high level of overpaid claims by the state offices. For companies that must pay into SUI tax pools, there is no reimbursement for costs that exceed the employer's claims. Employers in SUI systems may also be covering the claims burden of other companies that did not pay enough UI tax or have gone out of business.
While most companies must put up with expensive SUI tax programs, nonprofits can exit and become reimbursing employers. As a reimbursing employer, nonprofits are only responsible for funding UI costs in the amount of their own claims. However, after opting out of state unemployment programs, options for reimbursement are not all the same. Self-insuring can expose a nonprofit's budget to large, unexpected liabilities if unemployment claims for the organization suddenly increase.
For many nonprofits, the safest option for UI reimbursement is through enrollment in an unemployment savings program or a bonded service program. First Nonprofit Group offers nonprofits membership in both of these programs, and also provides assistance with claims management. UI obligations for nonprofits can be complex and professional consultation can ensure that organizations are making the correct decision when they opt out of state UI tax pools.
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First Nonprofit has saved us so much money over the state’s program. We had one little glitch with the state recently and we contacted FNP immediately. FNP staff called us back immediately and moved to remedy the problem.
First Nonprofit has been a great partner. They have helped us saved hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have awesome resources for our nonprofit organization. Thanks for the partnership.
Life is certainly busy these days but having business partners like First Nonprofit has made some of the process hassle free. We have worked with this team for years. When we changed payroll systems, they outlined every step. I think this team is terrific and I know they get the job done! Thank you, Cruz, to all the team at FNP.
FNP has helped our agency to save thousands of dollars every year on our unemployment coverage. The service is phenomenal, and we are thankful to their team as our partner. My experience working with Marshall on the advocacy around UE for nonprofits was also a highlight as someone who teaches advocacy and lobbying for nonprofits. Really, your whole team is top shelf, so thank YOU!
Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.
FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.
When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.
First Nonprofit gets an A+ in my book. You are so easy to work with & very knowledgeable! Whether it is my quarterly correspondence with Kim or my random interactions with Dawn about a bond … I am so pleased that I get to work with such a helpful company. Thank you!