Industry News & Updates – July 22, 2026

Indiana – New Indiana Business Website Coming Soon!

INBiz, Indiana’s resource for registering and managing state businesses, will be unveiling a new and improved website soon! Existing users will find a cleaner, more intuitive dashboard with a modernized design to make it easier and simpler to navigate. New entrepreneurs will find a revamped portal that provides guidance and insight associated with launching a new business in the state.

All account information will be transitioned to the new platform, and no action is needed from your organization.

Kentucky – Action Needed: Kentucky Unemployment Insurance Portal Launches August 17

On August 17, 2026, the new Kentucky Unemployment Insurance Portal (KUIP) will launch its tax functionality for employers. The system replaces Kentucky’s Unemployment Insurance Self-Service Web (KEWES). In order to ensure access to the new KUIP system and ensure a smooth transition, please confirm access to your KEWES account as soon as possible. Your will receive a code in KEWES to activate your new account in KUIP upon go live.

It is also recommended to review and confirm all contact information and addresses within the KEWES system to ensure you receive important information as the new system launch nears. You can also check out the KUIP Modernization Project website for more information to ensure you are prepared for this transition.

Montana – Weekly Benefit Amount Updates

For new initial claims filed on or after July 1, 2026, the weekly benefit amount (WBA) will be increasing for Montana claimants. The minimum WBA will increase to $238 (up from $207) while the maximum WBA will increase to $805 (up from $767).

Virginia – New Way to Access the Virginia Employer Self Service System

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) is implementing a new way to access their Employer Self Service (ESS) system. Both the legacy portal and the new VEC portal will be available through the end of July 2026. Beginning August 1, 2026, the legacy portal will no longer be available, and all employers will be required to log in using ID.me.

If you already have an ID.me account, you can access the new portal with your account via https://employerselfservice.vec.virginia.gov. Just login with your email and password. However, if you do not already have an ID.me account, action is necessary to maintain access to the ESS after July 31.

This new access process will provide greater security, ability to share access with multiple authorized users, and one login for all services.

Additional information is available on the VEC website, https://www.vec.virginia.gov/employer-self-service, the ID.me website, https://help.id.me/hc/en-us, and via the VEC Employer Line at (866) 354-5579.

Wisconsin – Department of Workforce Development Warns of Email Scams Targeting Injured Workers

While Thomas & Company is unable to handle Worker’s Compensation related claims, important information has been shared by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development about scams targeting injured workers that you and your employees need to be aware of.

As part of a possible multi-state scam, bad actors are targeting injured workers, tricking them into participating in fake hearings, to believe that they are awarded benefits but are responsible for paying fees to finalize the case. The scams, which are primarily targeting Spanish-speaking individuals, originate from fictious but believable “agencies” like Workers’ Compensation Board and victims are coerced into participating in a full-scale “legal proceeding,” complete with judge, bailiff, and attorneys, which is not legitimate.

Wisconsin workers who have been targeted and/or received suspicious communication can contact a worker’s compensation specialist at (608) 266-1340. Impacted individuals in other states should reach out to their dedicated worker’s compensation contacts, based on the state.