October 2009

Missouri Receives $2 Million to Improve Unemployment Insurance Program Operations

USDOL Awards Funds to Upgrade Technology

The Missouri Labor Department’s Division of Employment Security (DES) is doing its best to meet the demands of an increased customer base. To improve customer service, the DES has hired additional staff, extended its work hours, and allowed staff to work overtime daily and on weekends. However, the biggest change to come is in the form of a technology upgrade.

The DES is set to receive $2 million in State Unemployment Insurance Technology Infrastructure Grants from the United States Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) to make technology upgrades that will improve the operations and security of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) Program. The upgrade also will improve customer service for Missouri claimants and employers.

“We are experiencing a 26-year high unemployment rate and we need the technological capabilities to process the volume of unemployment claims we receive more expeditiously and efficiently,” said Department Director Larry Rebman.

Missouri, along with 48 other states, will be receiving funds to improve operations and security for its UI program. The DES began applying for grants in July 2009 and was approved for the funds by the USDOL in September 2009.