TOPEKA — The Kansas Department of Labor is proud to announce the rollout of the Unemployment Insurance Technology Enhancement (UITE) project. The project will modernize the employer and claimant experience and is expected to launch on Nov. 19, 2024.
“Kansans needing access to unemployment benefits have depended on an outdated computer system that wreaked havoc during the Great Recession and later during the pandemic,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “What happened during the pandemic could have largely been avoided had modernization been allowed to proceed. I made a commitment to Kansans to finish the job this time, and that is exactly what Kansas Labor Secretary Amber Shultz and the entire team at the agency have done. Their efforts to bring the state into the 21st century will ensure that we are prepared should we face similar economic downturns in the future.”
“This modernization initiative marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing seamless services to Kansas employers and our workforce,” Kansas Labor Secretary Amber Shultz said. “Working alongside Tata Consultancy Services, the Kansas Unemployment Insurance system has achieved the most rapid deployment of any state. We are grateful to our partners who tirelessly advocated for this initiative and provided invaluable guidance throughout this journey."
The new system will deliver an improved unemployment insurance experience by:
• Streamlining operations through improved workflow efficiency and adaptability, data management, and collaborations with other agencies;
• Enhancing user experience through adoption of advanced customer relationship management systems and personalized communication channels, more self-service options, and improved mobile-friendly access for claimants; and
• Upgrading data security and compliance with enhanced cybersecurity measures to safeguard data and ensure regulatory compliance.
“It's thrilling to witness all the hard work on this project coming together,” said Sen. Renee Erickson, Chair of Unemployment Compensation Modernization and Improvement Council and Chair of Senate Commerce Committee. “The new system will offer improved security and greater ease of use for both individuals and businesses. I appreciate the diligence of all stakeholders in ensuring a successful implementation for Kansans.”
"Kansas had an urgent need for modernizing our state's Unemployment Compensation Platform,” said Rep. Sean Tarwater, District 27. “The outdated system exacerbated the challenges of COVID-19 and failed our citizens when they needed it most. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders across Kansas, including the invaluable contributions of Phil Hayes with The Arnold Group, the patience of KDOL's government affairs director, Julie Menghini and Kansas Secretary of Labor, Amber Shultz, who boldly took the helm of the Department of Labor amidst significant challenges, we have crafted robust new statutes and established the Unemployment Modernization Council. Together with these great Kansans, I am proud to be a part of the imminent launch of a new, adaptive platform that will ensure timely support for our citizens in need."
As part of the technology upgrade rollout, the Unemployment Contact Center and getkansasbenefits.gov site will be unavailable starting Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. and will reopen on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 8 a.m. Claimants will not be able to file claims during this time frame.
Weekly certification for the benefits week ending Nov. 16 will be available starting Tuesday, Nov. 19, at KansasUI.gov.
More information on the UITE project can be found at dol.ks.gov/UITEResources.