The Department of Labor and Training (DLT) is rolling out a new unemployment insurance platform, UI Online.  

UI Online gives unemployment applicants greater transparency into their claims and provides numerous self-service options that would previously require a phone call.

“The past year and a half has made it clear that improvements to our 30-year-old unemployment system are necessary – and long overdue,” said DLT Director Matthew Weldon in a statement. “I have personally heard from countless unemployment claimants who have been frustrated by the unemployment process, so I am excited to launch this new platform that will make filing a claim easier and more straightforward.”

 Built on a secure, cloud-based system, the new UI Online will allow claimants to apply online and track their claim as it processes. They can also receive reminders to certify for weekly payments, get alerts if they need to provide additional information, and securely update their payment method. Available in both English and Spanish, it also introduces front-end, anti-fraud measures designed to thwart fraudulent unemployment claims.

UI Online was introduced to a small, selected group of unemployment claimants Dec. 1 as part of the Department’s effort to gather feedback and refine the system to best meet customer needs. Selected claimants will receive an email invitation or be redirected to the new website when filing a claim or certifying for their weekly payment. Participants will be given a dedicated phone line to contact with any questions or provide input regarding the platform. During the first phase of the system roll-out, claimants invited to use the new UI Online will be able to opt-out and continue to use the existing system if they prefer.

DLT expects to implement UI Online for all unemployment claimants by early next year, at which point the new website will be the sole online method for filing a claim. While filing a claim online is the most convenient option, claims can always be filed over the phone by contacting the UI Call Center at (401) 415-6772.