By Jason Fry
Many states are preparing for an increase in unemployment claims due to the COVID-19 pandemic; however in some cases they have not yet issued specific direction on claims based on disruptions caused by COVID-19. Our Unemployment Cost Management team has been in regular conversations and communications with the state agencies. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen that many state workforce agencies are waiving the waiting week and work search requirements of employees filing for benefits due to the recent events, while other states have yet to make material changes.
To help all employers during this difficult time, we’ve created a quick Equifax UI State Reference Guide. This guide is updated on an ongoing basis.
If you are a current Equifax client using our Unemployment Cost Management service, please note that your UI Program Relationship Team will continue to monitor and review any new information released by the states. Rest assured we are prepared to scale to help meet changes in unemployment claim processes or volume over the coming weeks and continue to help meet your needs.
We encourage all employers to continue to follow existing processes for managing separations and unemployment claims. We believe that state agencies will continue to adjudicate claims based upon the facts of each particular separation and the regulations of that particular state, and will adjust as changes to those regulations are made.
As information is updated by the State Workforce Agencies, we will update this document. We appreciate your patience as we work together in the days and weeks to come. Should you have any questions, Equifax customers may reach out to your Unemployment Insurance Consultant or Account Manager. If you need assistance with your UC claims, please explore our blog for additional tips and best practices. Or contact a member of our Unemployment Solutions Sales team for additional information.
Equifax is not providing, and cannot provide, legal advice on any legal issues relating to state requirements. Your company should work with its legal counsel and other experts to make all determinations regarding specific state obligations.