DID YOU KNOW? MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS: SUI ACCOUNTS
This week, as we continue to explore the wide-ranging impacts of mergers and acquisitions across your organization, we turn to the world of unemployment. An often complex, but important topic, do you know how mergers & acquisitions affect your SUI accounts?
Visit our Thought Leadership page to learn more and keep an eye out as we post weekly to help keep you informed!
KENTUCKY – DUA APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 25
Individuals in Kentucky impacted by recent severe storms, including straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides have received a 30-day extension to file for DUA benefits. The application deadline is now July 25, 2025.
Assistance may be available to impacted individuals in Anderson, Boone, Breckinridge, Bullitt, Calloway, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Daviess, Franklin, Garrard, Grayson, Hancock, Hardin, Hart, Hopkins, Jefferson, Jessamine, LaRue, Lincoln, McCracken, McLean, Meade, Mercer, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Oldham, Owen, Pendleton, Trimble, Warren, Webster, and Woodford Counties.
Impacted individuals can file an initial claim at https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx or by calling (502) 564-2900.
WASHINGTON – INCREASE IN AVERAGE WAGE FOR 2024 RESULTS IN INCREASES TO BOTH UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND TAXABLE WAGE BASE
The state of Washington utilizes the average annual wage to determine multiple program benefit levels. In 2024, the average annual wage increased to $95,160, which will impact both the level of available unemployment benefits and the taxable wage base for employers.
For new claims filed on or after July 6, 2025, the unemployment weekly benefit amount will increase to $366, up from $342. The maximum weekly benefit amount will increase to $1,152, up from $1,079.
Additionally, the taxable wage base in Washington will also increase. Beginning in 2026, the taxable wage base will increase to $78,200, up 7.42%.
OREGON – BILL PROVIDING BENEFITS TO STRIKING WORKERS PASSES HOUSE, RETURNS TO SENATE FOR FINAL APPROVAL
Late last week, lawmakers in the Oregon House passed their version of a bill allowing striking workers to collect benefits. SB 916B would repeal the law that denies benefits to individuals in an active labor dispute. While allowing benefits for striking workers, it would also add an additional waiting week before benefit qualification, along with stipulations of repayment should an individual later receive back pay from their employer.
Additionally, for striking school workers, the bill would require schools to consider unemployment benefits received toward the total compensation as outlined in the individual’s collective bargaining agreement. The school must then deduct from the employee’s future wages the amount of these benefits.
The bill now heads back to the Senate for final approval. The bill previously but narrowly passed the Senate, earning the minimum majority (16) to pass through the Senate.
Thomas & Company will continue to monitor all legislation as it makes its way through the legislative process.
