New Jersey was chosen as one of two states to help the federal government try out a new system for processing claims and distributing unemployment benefits.
Early next year, the Claimant Experience Pilot is expected to begin, ideally providing fair and timely access to unemployment benefits, while eliminating fraud issues such as identity theft that have crippled systems throughout. the coronavirus pandemic, the New Jersey Department of Labor announced on Tuesday.
According to NJDOL, New Jersey was chosen by the US Department of Labor and the US Digital Service due, among other reasons, to the massive number of jobless claims it has received since March 2020 (2.4 million ) and ranking the state as the best in the country. for the percentage of unemployed who succeeded in receiving benefits.
“With this announcement, New Jersey will be at the forefront of modernization and permanent and meaningful reform,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “This administration and our partners in the federal government will work hand in hand to bring greater equity, justice and accessibility to our workers, especially in times of unforeseen hardship.”
Arkansas is the other state that was chosen to participate in the test.
Contact reporter Dino Flammia at dino.flammia@townsquaremedia.com.