Updates on UI Modernization

November 15, 2024

UI modernization involves upgrading unemployment insurance (UI) systems to enhance efficiency in processing unemployment benefits, streamline employer tax processes, improve the online claimant portal, and ensure state systems are more accessible and secure. These improvements provide a better user experience for claimants and help employers save time and reduce costs.

Below are some updates impacting members of First Nonprofit:

Delaware: Modernization update is delayed until October 2025. There will be employer and TPA workshops and demos.
Iowa: Modernization update will be delayed until 2025. Employers are being asked to ensure the primary contact screen in MYIUI is accurate with contact name, phone number, and email address.
Kansas: An update to the Employer Services portal is expected to go live on November 19, 2024.
- The portal will be unavailable starting November 13 at 5 p.m. and reopen November 19 at 8 a.m.
- A new online account setup will be available on November 19. All employers must create a username and password to access the updated portal. You may use your old username/email address.
- The format of the UI account number will change effective November 13. Employers will keep their active UI account number, but it will be in a 10-digit format, with one zero at the beginning and three zeroes at the end.
Kentucky: The state entered into a six-year, $55.5 million contract with Deloitte Consulting to replace its current system. The new system is expected to make it easier to submit unemployment claims, review payments, receive benefits, and submit appeals online. Work is expected to start early next year and be fully functional by 2028.
New York: The modernization update rollout is expected in the summer of 2025 (previously in the fall of 2024). The Department of Labor sent a letter to employers in March 2024 to advise them of the upcoming modernization, which will include how to manage users, view activity, including balance/payment history, submit online payment, view/download reimbursing charges, account updates, and respond to requests for information/protests/appeals. Benefits/Tax/Appeals are all expected to roll out simultaneously.
Ohio: They are still in the RFP process for their modernization. They have been tasked with beginning in January 2025 and being ready to implement it in September 2025. This modernization will include adding SIDES* exchanges.
Puerto Rico: Modernization will happen soon; no date has been provided, and little information is available.
Tennessee: The state has begun the second phase of modernization that will further enhance the capabilities of Job4TN and is planned to go live on Memorial Day weekend of 2025. If you have not already registered, employers are encouraged to register for Jobs4TN to become familiar with the e-Services platform. Future changes will include:
- Employer Account Numbers will go from being eight digits long to 10 digits.
- The Department will no longer accept paper applications one month before the system’s rollout, with more communication about this in the future.
Texas: The Workforce Commission will re-implement its Tax Modernization starting May 2025 and continue adding SIDES* exchanges in 2025.

* The State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) is a secure and timely way for employers and third-party administrators (TPAs) to receive and respond to unemployment claim filings electronically.

Testimonials

We’ve been a member of First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program since 2011 and highly recommend joining. The program is terrific and allows us to earn interest on our own funds while still meeting the state’s requirements on unemployment payments. In addition, the staff are great and always helpful sorting out any questions we may have. Thank you all!

NC Conservation Network, Raleigh, NC

CCSCT was approached by First NonProfit to discuss its Unemployment Savings Program and ways the program could significantly reduce the amount of unemployment taxes we were paying. At the time, our agency was paying approximately $80,000 per year. First NonProfit conducted an analysis to determine if making the switch would be in our best interest, and it clearly was based on our circumstances. The first year on the program, CCSCT saw a 70% reduction in its unemployment costs and each year, continues to experience further reductions as a result of having minimal claims. Some additional benefits of the program including having a fixed annual cost, an interest-baring reserve account, professional unemployment claims management and representation at all unemployment hearings. This has been one of the best decisions we have made.

Community Council of South Central Texas, Inc., Seguin, TX

We first started using First Nonprofit’s Unemployment Savings Program when we were a small startup nonprofit. We didn’t have an HR department and needed expertise in the event that an unemployment claim was made. We knew we were eligible to be a reimbursing employer, but weren’t sure how to navigate that process. They made it easy to set things up, plan for, and then manage claims when they came at a very reasonable cost. The amount of time and stress they’ve saved us dealing with all this has been worth way more than the cost. We’ve now grown to a large nonprofit and do have an HR department but have no plans to stop using their services. I highly recommend them to every nonprofit I come into contact with!

CROSSPURPOSE, Denver, CO

Throughout our membership in the Unemployment Savings Program, First Nonprofit understood our demands, community dynamics, and the importance of seamless services; that allowed us to serve our constituents better.

Prevent Blindness America, Chicago, IL

Because INCS advocates for the operating conditions that allow charter public schools to provide high quality public education, partnering with First Nonprofit was an easy decision. First Nonprofit’s unemployment programs provide our member schools two operating elements crucial to their ability to provide high quality public education: savings and budget certainty. Capable, committed teachers are the key to student success. By participating in the unemployment insurance savings plan, charter public schools gain peace of mind and are able to invest more money in their teachers.

Illinois Network of Charter Schools, Chicago, IL

It has been our sincere pleasure to maintain a strong, vibrant business partnership with First Nonprofit. We greatly admire their strong industry knowledge, technical expertise, constant professionalism, knowledgeable and dedicated staff. They are always extremely responsive, personable and provide us with the necessary guidance and recommendations on a numerous variety of employment scenarios.

Thresholds, Chicago, IL

NYCON members who use First Nonprofit’s programs enjoy enduring savings and improved efficiency. Our association knows that success, because from the beginning, we achieved the same great benefits. Great savings, seamless technology, and responsive service. NYCON highly recommends First Nonprofit’s remarkable unemployment solutions.

New York Council of Nonprofits, Albany, NY

Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.

Updates on UI Modernization