The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) has released an updated version of its mandatory Unemployment Insurance Poster for Employees. This posting informs workers of their rights and responsibilities when filing for unemployment insurance benefits, providing vital information on how to determine eligibility and what to expect when filing a claim.
This update reflects changes brought about by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2015, which was intended to improve employment opportunities by modernizing and consolidating the nation’s workforce investment systems. The Act required states to integrate their unemployment insurance programs with one-stop employment service systems (aka American Job Centers) delivering workforce development, recruitment services, and other human resource programs. Services must also be offered through the internet wherever possible.
Tennessee’s one-stop internet portal, Jobs4tn.gov, was created in 2012 and is administered by the DOLWD. It maintains an online job board bringing employers and job seekers together, provides educational services, and offers timely information on the labor force and labor market.
While unemployment claimants were previously able to file for benefits by phone or on the DOLWD website, they are now required to file and certify for benefits on Jobs4tn.gov. The revised Unemployment Insurance Benefits Poster for Employees removes these references to prior filing methods and directs claimants to the Jobs4tn online system. It also eliminates reference to the previously-required TUC Work Search Log on which claimants were expected to document work search activity, as work search documentation now occurs online during weekly certification. In order to qualify for benefits, claimants are required to make a minimum of three tangible job contacts each week, which may include searching Jobs4Tn’s database or completing a job application in person.
The updated posting also informs claimants who wish to receive benefits by debit that they will be issued a Way2Go MasterCard. Previously claimants received debit benefits on the Tennessee Automated Payment VISA Card provided by Chase Bank.
Prior to this 3/2017 update, the Unemployment Insurance Poster for Employees was last revised in July of 2015.
If you already own one of Compliance Poster Company’s signature products, you can update your Unemployment Insurance posting with this cost-effective 2017 Tennessee Unemployment Insurance Peel ‘N Post™ sticker in English or Spanish. Or, if you’re looking for a complete compliance solution, order an up-to-date Tennessee All-On-One™ Poster, consolidating all state and federal required postings onto one convenient and attractive wall poster, or a Mobile Poster Pak™ booklet for mobile and off-site workers. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe directly to this blog, to keep up with compliance and labor law news!