FirstBank Customers – Transition to PNC Bank, Review Your Payment Details
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment issued a warning to employers using FirstBank accounts to make payments or receive refunds through My FAMLI+ Employer. FirstBank accounts have transitioned to PNC, resulting in out-of-date payment methods. All details associated with FirstBank accounts should be reviewed and updated, if necessary.
It is unknown if this change may impact other states, so please be aware across all platforms and states if your organization utilized FirstBank prior to the transition. If you do not utilize FirstBank, no action is needed.
Florida – Reconnect Modernization Coming Soon!
The Florida Department of Commerce is advising employers of an upcoming modernization of the Reconnect employer online experience. The Benefits Management system is tentatively scheduled for late July, though no official go live date has been announced at this time. New features will include easier navigation, an all-in-one document hub, on-demand assistance, and more!
To prepare for this upcoming transition, it is recommended to confirm the following:
- An accurate and up-to-date email address is in Reconnect.
- Accurate and up-to-date organization mailing address and telephone number is on file with the Florida Department of Revenue.
Kentucky – SCUF Charge Reinstated for 2027
Beginning January 1, 2027, the Service Capacity Upgrade Fund (SCUF) will be reinstated by SB129, reducing contribution rates by 0.0115% to account for the SCUF charge which will be assessed at the percentage in which contributions rates were reduced (.0115%). The secretary will subsequently set this adjustment percentage for each year, never to exceed 0.025%.
SCUF was initially established in 2018 “for acquisition and upgrading of the technology base, program integrity functions, and service delivery capacity in support of the programs administered by the Office of Unemployment Insurance.”
Recent legislation reduced the adjustment percentage and included additional collection qualifiers. As such, the SCUF charge will remain in effect until the Service Capacity Upgrade Fund reaches $15 million or the unemployment trust fund balance falls below $811,005,000 (the balance of the trust fund as of December 31, 2022).
Vermont – Upcoming SIDES Downtime
There is scheduled SIDES downtime from July 1 to July 6 during which time the Vermont unemployment system will be unavailable, and no claims (SIDES requests) will be sent. This down time is for modernization. Vermont anticipates transmission will begin again on July 6. You may notice that you receive more claims than normal after the downtime. This is normal and to be anticipated.
Vermont – MyVermont Account Reminder
New claimant and employer portals are in the works and scheduled for rollout this summer! Employers must sign up for a new myVermont account to access the upcoming unemployment insurance system, which will be known as e-Services.
The Vermont Department of Labor has shared detailed instructions showing how to create and verify your account. Make sure to create your new account before the system rolls out later this year to ensure a smooth transition.
Virginia – Unemployment Weekly Benefit Amount Increase
Beginning with claims filed on or after July 5, 2026, the minimum weekly benefit amount for Virginia workers will increase to $160, up 43% from $112 while the maximum weekly benefit amount will increase to $478, up 11% from $430.