New Mexico to Launch Integrated UI System January 6, 2013
NMDWS announces official go-live date for new UI tax and claims system
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2012
Contact: Joy Forehand
For media inquiries: 505.250.3926
Office: 505.841.8450
New Mexico to Launch Integrated UI System January 6, 2013
NMDWS announces official go-live date for new UI tax and claims system
(Albuquerque, NM) – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) announced that the department will officially launch the new, fully-integrated Unemployment Insurance system on January 6, 2013 and will be the first state in the country to simultaneously launch a tax and claims system. States have launched claims systems as quickly as 51 months, and others have launched separate tax systems within 24 months. New Mexico will launch an integrated system that will meet the high standards and needs of all of the department’s customers within a 36-month timeframe.
“The new system has such greater functionality and capability than our current UI system,” said Cabinet Secretary Celina Bussey. “We will have an increased ability to collect pertinent information earlier in the Unemployment Insurance process, therefore lowering overpayments and error rates. We are not only excited that this is the first simultaneous launch of a tax and claims system in the country but is also the first time that New Mexico employers will have direct access to online information about their UI accounts, contributions paid, and claims that have been filed.”
Many UI program integrity efforts will also be implemented with the launch of the new system. In order to increase the prevention, detection, and recovery of improper UI payments, system enhancements will include automated, technology-based tools such as the State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES). This is an electronic-based information sharing platform between the department and employers that will expedite correspondence on why the employment separation occurred.
The Treasury Offset Program (TOPS) is also a part of the new UI system. TOPS is a partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to intercept, or offset, federal tax refunds and federal payments for state tax obligations, including the recovery of UI benefits that were overpaid to individuals. Any amounts intercepted and recouped are deposited directly back into the New Mexico Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Another enhancement will include the automation of cross-matches between systems, such as the National Directory of New Hires (NDNH) with the new UI system. The NDNH will increase the detection of claimants who continue to certify and receive benefits after they have returned to work.
In addition to launching a new fully-integrated Unemployment Insurance online system, Secretary Bussey’s vision for the department is to become more engaged with the business community and to promote the vast array of employment-related services and resources available to citizens across the state. Her vision includes the Department of Workforce Solutions as a leader in and a facilitator of a competitive workforce for the benefit of all New Mexicans.
More details about the new system benefits for employer and claimants can be found on the attached fact sheet. For additional information about the Unemployment Insurance program, the new UI tax and claims system, and the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, visit www.dws.state.nm.us.
UI System FACT Sheet
UI System FACT Sheet for Employers
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