Updates on UI Modernization

November 15, 2024

Updates on UI Modernization

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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.

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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.

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* 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.