Unemployment
New Hampshire’s benefits program embraces AI amid modernization push
The state had already upgraded its systems before the COVID-19 pandemic, so it didn’t struggle as much with fraud. Now, it is looking to emerging tech to help adjudicate claims.
States were not prepared to face COVID-era UI fraud, congressional report says
The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic said states paid out more than $191 billion in fraudulent payments. Data-driven oversight could have mitigated some of those losses, the report said.
How one state is expanding language access for UI applications
New Jersey has released training materials that can help agencies improve Spanish translations of government resources and services using artificial intelligence.
Can AI solve unemployment? How states can transform workforce data into optimized career opportunities
Some states are looking to AI to improve unemployment outcomes.
Unemployment insurance fraud during the pandemic cost states $135B—and counting
Fraudsters are still finding ways to collect on claims. But there are two crucial ways to get the problem under control, experts say.
Inside the Department of Labor’s collaboration with New Jersey to overhaul unemployment programs
A new application for unemployment claims in the Garden State marks the result of a years-long federal effort to help states modernize their jobless aid efforts.
States get streamlined access to Treasury’s Do Not Pay system for unemployment
The move comes as federal agencies work with states to combat the rise in jobless aid fraud following the pandemic.
Port aid, protections for highway and election workers signed into law
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed bills supporting Baltimore-area businesses and workers affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The Senate wants states to recover the billions lost to unemployment fraud during the pandemic
A bipartisan proposal would let states keep a quarter of the funds they recoup. It is similar to a House proposal passed last year.
Feds calls on states to reevaluate unemployment benefit accessibility
Access to unemployment has been declining and differs drastically across demographic groups. The Labor Department is urging states and territories to do something about it in new guidance.
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The money's out the door in nationwide unemployment insurance modernization push
A Labor Department official said efforts to help states modernize their UI systems are trending in the right direction, but funding may be insufficient.
Pandemic unemployment insurance fraud could have cost $135B, says government watchdog
The Government Accountability Office also says that cuts Congress made as part of the debt deal in June has hurt state efforts to prevent future fraud.
Hawaii’s wildfires led to fast tracking federal identity tools for unemployment claims
Unemployment is on the rise in Maui due in part to the drastic drop in tourism after the devastating wildfires. But the state's rapid deployment of an underutilized federal identity verification tool will help it get benefits to the people who really need it.
Unemployment insurance modernization takes hit in Congress
The funding reduction is part of the debt ceiling compromise, but the Labor Department says it still plans to focus on helping states combat identity fraud and strengthening the integrity of the UI system.
States See Record Low Unemployment Across the US
Black women, young people and people with disabilities are among the workers benefiting.
What State Unemployment Modernization Pilots Get Right
Pilot programs in two states focusing on identity verification for unemployment systems could set the stage for nationwide modernization.
Biden Will Veto Republican-Led Clawback of Unemployment Funding
The Office of Management and Budget says that the president would veto a Republican proposal to rescind American Rescue Plan Act funding for unemployment if passed by Congress.
Some States May Be Barring the Door to Unemployment Benefits
Nine states are requiring unemployment insurance applicants to verify their identity before submitting applications.
Colorado Expands Unemployment Insurance—And Others Are Watching Closely
Colorado’s low-cost approach to getting benefits out the door quickly could provide a model for adapting or modernizing public assistance programs elsewhere.
Republicans Want to Incentivize States to Recover Stolen Unemployment Benefits
The House Ways and Means Committee approved a bill this week that would let states keep 25% of any money they recover that was fraudulently obtained or improperly given out.
