Jobless claims filers will see service delays

The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation is urging jobless claims filers to be ready for an interruption in service.

While implementing the final phase of its new unemployment insurance computer program Sept. 28, there will be a service outage primarily affecting the unemployment claims filing system. It will begin the week before the implementation. As a result, unemployment insurance benefit recipients are strongly encouraged to file their weekly claims between midnight Sept. 20 and 5 p.m. Sept. 21 to avoid any delays in benefit payments.

Claims can be filed online or through the automated telephone system around the clock until the system goes offline.

The unemployment insurance computer system, UInv, will be taken offline Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. and will resume service Sept. 28 at 8 a.m.

The telephone claims line will also be closed during the week of the outage, because DETR representatives will not be able to access any information related to unemployment insurance claims. The service interruption means claimants will not be able to access their accounts for activities such as filing, checking claims status, or updating information. However, claimants who are scheduled to have adjudication interviews will still be able to participate in those interviews. Additionally, DETR’s unemployment insurance contributions representatives will only be able to provide limited information about employers’ unemployment insurance tax accounts during the blackout period.

About 3,000 people per week file initial unemployment benefit claims and may not be aware of the system outage unless they try to file a new claim during the week of the service interruption. These claims will be backdated and the delay in filing will not affect the amount of the benefit for which they qualify.

“We are confident that most of the 26,000 active claimants will file before the outage, as this is the period of time they usually file,” said Renee Olson, administrator for DETR’s Employment Security Division. “We recognize this service interruption may result in an inconvenience for a small number of our customers. Our goal is to mitigate any issues with benefit payments by reminding claimants to file before the system goes offline.”

The new system is being implemented at a time when most of the country’s unemployment insurance organizations are modernizing their outdated systems, Olson said. The new computer program will provide businesses greater convenience in managing their unemployment insurance tax accounts, allowing them to view account history, unemployment insurance tax rates, wage reporting details; make online requests for information, and respond to unemployment insurance claims notices and more.

“This upgrade is long-overdue as it replaces an outdated 30-year-old computer system. The new system will offer Nevada’s 62,500 businesses enhanced functionality and flexibility to more easily manage their unemployment insurance accounts,” Olson said.