Small Town News

Web Page to inform Unemployment claimants

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The Idaho Department of Labor has created a new web page - www.labor. idaho.gov/uitips - to educate unemployment insurance claimants on how to correctly file for benefits and find a job.

The new web page includes a list of frequently asked questions, specific instructions on how to correctly report earnings, how-to videos, a quiz for claimants to test their knowledge, a job search tool and tools for maintaining and reporting work search contacts.

Long-term plans include stepping up education on unemployment insurance responsibilities of both claimants and employers; staff training so they can better help claimants comply with the law and find work; and creating a new computer system for benefit and tax payments to replace an existing system that's more than 30 years old.

"Unemployment benefits play a critical role in Idaho's economy by making sure laid off workers can pay their bills during severe recessions like this last one and still be here when the economy picks up and employers need them," Department of Labor Director Roger B. Madsen said.

The new UI web tips page is part of a strategic initiative to prevent claimant misunderstandings and overpayments in anticipation of several changes. One of those changes includes the addition of interest on any money or associated penalties claimants owe the department for an overpayment of unemployment insurance benefits. The interest rate to be charged is the statutory rate for the year a lien is filed and will be added each month.

"We are committed to making sure that benefits go only to those who are eligible and in the amounts they deserve," Madsen continued. "This initiative builds on a solid record of controlling claimant overpayments and ensuring employers pay the unemployment taxes they legitimately owe."



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