MONTANA – REDETERMINATION AND APPEALS PROCESS UPDATES
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Montana Department of Labor & Industry implemented a process update. When an unemployment claim is denied, employers now have two options:
- Request a redetermination by submitting new information or,
- File an appeal requesting a formal hearing
While considered a procedural change, the good news is that you will not see a change in how information is requested by Thomas & Company. Continue to respond to all unemployment requests and Thomas & Company will ensure they are handled appropriately based on this new process.
Reach out to your client services representative with any additional questions or concerns.
NEW YORK – PAYS OFF UI TRUST FUND LOAN, PROVIDES RELIEF TO EMPLOYERS
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on June 30 that the state of New York had officially paid off their federal Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund loan as part of the 2026 state budget.
Per the New York Department of Labor, the loan payoff will:
- eliminate the Interested Assessment Surcharge (IAS) for 2025.
- decrease the UI contribution rates in 2026.
- remove additional federal tax liability related to the loan.
- increase the taxable wage base to build up reserves.
- increase the maximum weekly benefit amount.
It is estimated that employers will save an average of $100 per employee in 2026, increasing to savings of $250 per employee in 2027.
IOWA – UNEMPLOYMENT WEEKLY BENEFIT AMOUNTS TO INCREASE, TAXABLE WAGE BASE TO DECREASE
Iowans filing for unemployment benefits will have access to increased weekly benefit amounts beginning July 6, 2025. The maximum weekly benefit amount for unemployed Iowans will increase to between $622 (zero dependents) and $763 (4 or more dependents). The minimum weekly benefit amount will also increase, up to between $93 (zero dependents) and $112 (4 or more dependents).
Beginning in 2026, the taxable wage base will decrease for employers to $20,400, down 48% from the 2025 taxable wage base of $39,500.
WASHINGTON – ADDS EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS SURROUNDING LAYOFFS
Effective July 27, 2025, Washington employers will have requirements surrounding mass layoffs and business closures. The Securing Timely Notification and Benefits for Laid-Off Employees Act requires employers with 50 or more full-time employees to provide at least 60 days’ notice to impacted employees, union representatives, and the state for mass layoffs and business closures.
The Act does not include part-time employees who average less than 20 hours per week or employees who have been employed for fewer than 6 of the 12 months prior to the date on which notice is required.
OREGON – GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL PROVIDING BENEFITS TO STRIKING WORKERS
After making its way through the House and Senate to Governor Tina Kotek’s desk, SB 916B has been officially signed into law. As a reminder, the bill will provide benefits for striking workers after a two week waiting period. Included in the bill are stipulations of repayment should an individual later receive back pay from their employer. The final version of the bill brought down the number of allowable weeks of benefits, including 10 weeks of benefits (compared to 26 weeks in previous versions).
