Computer Upgrade May Interrupt Unemployment System

September 3, 2013

For Immediate Release: September 3, 2013 Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 621-5009

Benefit processing and payments may be delayed

AUGUSTA?An upgrade of the information technology backbone of the state?s unemployment system will require that significant parts of the system be shut down temporarily the second week in September.

?This upgrade will improve the security and the operations of the unemployment system on both the claimant and employer sides,? said Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette. ?This system manages benefit payments, so it is critical that we take every precaution to ensure a smooth transition to the new technology and minimize any disruptions.?

On September 11 and 12, 2013, the department will perform technical upgrades to its unemployment insurance system. As a result, there will be a brief delay in processing claims, meaning that unemployment benefit payments may be delayed by a day or two.

People filing claims for unemployment benefits should continue to file using either the Interactive Voice Response telephone system or the department?s website, http://www.maine.gov/labor/unemployment/benefits.html . The department?s claims staff will be available to assist claimants during the upgrade.

The department plans that full service will resume on September 13, 2013.

The Department of Labor administers Maine?s unemployment insurance system, helps ensure the safety of employees, provides workforce development leadership and vocational rehabilitation services throughout the state and collects and publishes research on employment data to support job growth.

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