DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado’s online unemployment benefit system will be shut down for several days starting Tuesday evening.
The Department of Labor and Unemployment said it’s working to shift to a new system for users and four conversion days are needed to properly complete the process.
During a call on Tuesday, department leaders said they recognize major flaws in the current MyUI unemployment system including widespread difficulties for users to get their claim questions answered. The new system, MyUI+, is supposed to be more transparent, making it clear why users aren’t getting payments, reducing confusion, preventing call centers from getting overwhelmed.
“The plus side on MyUI+ is that it’s far more transparent for claimants,” said Cher Haavind with CDLE. “They should be able to see some of those items that might be preventing payments and get information on how to fill out questionnaires to get us the information we need in a far more timely manner.”
The new online system also aims to prevent identity fraud, acknowledging the current Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs are an easy target. MyUI+ should stop payments from going into fraud accounts, using new technology to ensure the people applying for unemployment, are actually who they say they are.
“Overall this update is obviously long overdue,” said Haavind. “The timing isn’t ideal since we were posed to go live with it in April and of course with the pandemic, we had to pivot and adjust priorities and resources.”
Two weeks ago, the department began notifying over 500,000 Coloradans currently on unemployment. Whether or not users will need to resubmit a claim after the down period will depend on the type of claim the user has.
The department encourages people to keep watch on their email, as they will send clear instructions on what each individual should do to ensure no gaps in payment.
All systems are expected to be restored by Sunday, Jan. 10. The CDLE has also hired over 100 new employees for its call centers to help claimants with the transition.
You can check for daily updates on the CDLE website.