COLORADO – POSSIBLE MYUI EMPLOYER+ ACCOUNT ISSUES
Recently, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), announced on their website that a system error caused certain employer accounts to be suspended or terminated.
While Thomas & Company has not seen or been notified of any client accounts that have been impacted by this system error, in the rare event that you received a suspension, possible suspension, or termination notice, please log in to your MyUI Employer+ account and request reactivation. At that time, you can also file any missing reports (if necessary).
IDAHO – WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENT CHANGES, EFFECTIVE JULY 7
Beginning July 7th, the requirements for work searches associated with unemployment claims will increase from two to five per week. This increase comes as the result of Idaho House Bill 686, recently signed into law by Governor Brad Little, which also expands the definition of acceptable work search activities.
Please note, in certain instances, these work search requirements may be waived if a claimant is considered “employer attached.” Most commonly, these waivers apply to some seasonal workers or union members if they have a return date for a job within 16 weeks of loss of work.
MAINE – INCREASING WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNT
The Maine Department of Labor announced an increase to weekly benefit amounts for claims filed on or after June 1, 2024. The maximum weekly benefit amount will increase from $573 to $595. The minimum weekly benefit amount will also increase from $100 to $104.
OKLAHOMA – DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to individuals who were affected by the recent severe storms, including straight-line winds, flooding and tornados that occurred from April 25 through May 9, 2024 in Oklahoma. Individuals who lived or worked in Carter, Hughes, Love, Murray, Okmulgee, Osage, Pontotoc, and Washita counties may be eligible for DUA benefits.
Individuals must file for benefits at https://oklahoma.gov/oesc/individuals. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2024.
For additional information and/or assistance, individuals should call the Oklahoma Unemployment Service Center at (405) 525-1500 or visit one of the OESC’s field offices.
OREGON – CONTACT CENTER PHONE AVAILABILITY CHANGES
The Oregon Employment Department (OED) has announced an adjustment to their call center phone support hours. Beginning Monday, June 3, the OED contact center phones for Unemployment Insurance, Paid Leave Oregon, and Contributions & Recovery will be CLOSED on Mondays. From Tuesday through Friday, phone hours will be 9AM to 4PM Central.
For maximum efficiency, the OED recommends messaging through Frances Online or using the Contact Us form, both of which are available 24 hours a day. Employers can file zero-payroll reports 24 hours a day by calling 503-378-3981. Claimants can file initial claims using the UI telephone initial claim line 24 hours a day, but they must complete the application within phone hours.
TEXAS – DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to individuals who were affected by the recent severe storms, including straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began April 26 in Texas. Individuals who lived or worked in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties may be eligible for DUA benefits.
Individuals can apply for benefits online through Unemployment Benefit Services or by calling TWC at (800) 939-6631 between Monday through Friday 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Applications must be submitted by July 16, 2024.
VERMONT – NEW CHILDCARE CONTRIBUTION PAYROLL TAX
Beginning July 1, 2024, Vermont will begin to collect a Childcare Contribution (CCC) payroll tax. All wages that are subject to Vermont income tax withholding will now be subject to the 0.44% CCC. While employees are not required to file or pay the CCC, employers may choose to deduct and withhold up to 1/4, or 0.11%, of the contribution from employee wages. Employers may also choose to withhold a smaller portion or not to withhold at all from employees.
For all wages paid on or after July 1, 2024, employers will also be required to report the CCC quarterly on Form WHT-436.
VIRGIN ISLANDS – REMINDER: NEW UNEMPLOYMENT TAX RATE
After some employers incorrectly submitted first quarter reports using old tax rates, the Virgin Island Department of Labor released a reminder to all employers about the new Payroll Variation Tax methodology and Experience Rating System, as outlined in Act 8209, which went into effect January 1, 2024.
Employers have been assigned a new tax rate which includes a base contribution rate and fund solvency factor, along with an employer tax rate factor. Employers who incorrectly filed their first 2024 quarterly reports using the old tax rates will be considered non-compliant and may face interest on unpaid taxes.
For additional information, employers can contact the VIDOL Tax Unit at (340) 773-1994 (St. Croix) or (340) 776-3700 (St. Thomas).
