COLORADO – Increase in Weekly Benefit Amount
Colorado utilizes two formulas to calculate the weekly benefit amount for claimants, the higher of which is applied to their claim. On July 1, 2023, the maximum weekly benefit amounts in Colorado increased to $710 and $781, respectively. The minimum weekly benefit amount remains the same, at $25.
HAWAII – Maui Wildfires
Hawaii has created additional resources for individuals impacted by the Maui wildfires, including the addition of an option for those impacted by the fires. Job search and work registration requirements for those impacted have also been waived and Disaster Unemployment Assistance relief is available for those who do not qualify under the traditional unemployment program. Individuals can reach Hawaii’s call center at (808) 984-8400 or file a claim online at www.huiclaims.hawaii.gov.
MICHIGAN – State Identifies Over 10,000 Fraudulent Filings
Over a three-day period in July, Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) was able to identify and prevent benefit payout to over 10,000 fraudulent unemployment claim filings. This represented the peak of an eight-day stretch of increased fraudulent filings during the month.
In a warning to future potential fraudsters, UIA Director Julia Dale advised, “Thieves should know Michigan is not a state where you will get away with stealing from deserving citizens, but one where you will be caught and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” Michigan has worked hard in recent years to solidify their anti-fraud measures, which helped catch these attempted fraudsters.
Vigilance against potential fraud claims continues to paramount not only in Michigan but across the United States. Should you suspect a fraudulent claim or be alerted to a fraudulent filing by an employee, contact Thomas & Company right away so that we can report the fraudulence to the state.
NEVADA – Increase to Wage Base
For calendar year 2024, Nevada’s wage base will increase to $40,600, up $500 from 2023. Nevada calculates the wage base based on 66.66% of the average annual wage paid to their workers.
NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK – Striking Workers Eligible for Benefits
Throughout the United States, most employees are ineligible for unemployment benefits should they go on strike. However, both New Jersey and New York offer benefits to employees who go on strike and otherwise meet eligibility requirements. Employees can collect benefits for up to 26 weeks and both states also recently reduced the strike length necessary for eligibility – from 30 days to 14 days.
Lawmakers in California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts are also pushing legislation related to unemployment benefits for striking workers but have not yet been successful.
NEW JERSEY – Rate Table Increases and Changes to Tax Rate Distribution Process
New Jersey announced an increase in rate tables for the July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 timeframe, moving from Table D to Table E. Experience rates will now range from 1.2% to 4.3% for positive ratio employers and 6.1% to 7.0% for negative ratio employers. The new employer rate has also increased, to 3.4%. This represents a substantial increase year-over-year. Including both the table increase and increase in wage base (effective 1/1/24), employers could see a total tax increase upwards of 24% for employees earning $42,300 or more.
Additionally, late last week, employers were notified that unemployment experience rates for the July 1, 2023 fiscal year were available for viewing and downloading. The state noted that they will no longer be mailing a paper notice to any employer with electronic access. Due to system access limitations, we request that if you have previously established a login to the Employer Access (formerly TWES) platform, you login to the site to retrieve a copy of the 2023/24 rate notice and email a copy to our team at [email protected] to ensure timely verification and voluntary contribution analysis. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your dedicated tax analyst.
RHODE ISLAND – Increase in Weekly Benefit Amount
The maximum weekly benefit amount in Rhode Island increased to $705 on July 1, 2023. Claimants with the maximum (5) dependents will be eligible for a maximum weekly benefit amount of $881. The minimum weekly benefit also increased, to $66.
TENNESSEE – Tax Rates to Remain Constant Through at Least Year-End
The state of Tennessee has confirmed that they will continue to reference Premium Table 6 for tax rates from July 1, 2023 through at least the end of the calendar year. Therefore, tax rates will remain the same, ranging from 0.01% through 10.00%. Tennessee has been utilizing Premium Table 6 since July 1, 2015. Tax rate notices for 2023/2024 will be issued by the state in the coming weeks.
WYOMING – Increase in Weekly Benefit Amount
The maximum weekly benefit amount in Wyoming increased to $595 on July 2, 2023. The minimum weekly benefit also increased, to $43.
