The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has completed a massive upgrade to its online system for accessing unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said her administration prioritized enhancing the outdated unemployment system and emphasized the need for a comprehensive upgrade to improve performance and reliability.
“The upgrade is the culmination of a three-year project to modernize our state’s UI system,” Gov. Kelly said. “The new system will transform the experience of Kansans who need UI benefits as well as the employers and state agencies who use the system. I commend KDOL for working through this process to improve service for all Kansans.”
The previous system was established in the late 1970s and struggled to keep pace with advances in modern technology and the demand for services. Due to its age, the system struggled with slow processing times, frequent technical glitches, and difficulties handling high claims volumes.
These problems led to delays in benefits and frustration among claimants, according to KDOL. The system’s challenges were made even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the new overhaul in place, KDOL said residents applying for unemployment benefits will notice that the upgraded system uses easy-to-understand language and a modern interface. Additionally, the system offers more robust self-service options so claimants can file online and at their own pace, decreasing their need to call the UI Contact Center. Employers using the system will have access to enhanced reporting capabilities and an improved interface. The new system also has heightened security measures to decrease fraud.
“Launching KansasUI.gov demonstrates KDOL’s commitment to providing superior services,” Kansas Secretary of Labor Amber Shultz said. “We know adapting to the new system will take a little time, but we are confident that users will have a good experience, and our team is ready to respond to issues quickly and continue to improve.”
Ahead of the new launch, KDOL communicated changes to Kansas employers and current claimants through its website, email, social media, mail, and the news media. To-date, the agency has sent 9,000 emails to active claimants and employers, mailed 80,000 postcards to employers, and emailed state agencies and legislators about the upgrade and to educate them about how to assist Kansans who have questions about the process. Human resources staff from across the state also had the opportunity to join a webinar hosted by the agency to learn about the new system.
