The Idaho Department of Labor is launching a new claimant portal on Thursday, Nov. 12. The claimant portal is a new, secure online application that claimants use to file for unemployment insurance benefits, file weekly continued claim reports, and view claim information.
Q. What is the new claimant portal?
A. It is a user-friendly Web-based application where claimants manage their unemployment benefits accounts. The updated application offers new features to allow claimants to access information about their unemployment claim and weekly continued claims (now called certifications) online.
Q. Why are we changing? Will this be a better system?
A. Our current system is out-of-date and fragmented. Updating or modifying the program was difficult and costly. The new claimant portal application is built on a platform that can be modified efficiently.
Q. If I am a current claimant do I have to re-register when the new system is up and running?
A. Yes. When you first use the system, you will register with your email address and a new password. You will no longer use your Social Security number and PIN to access our system.
Q. Will there be a tutorial to help with the transition?
A. A user guide and quick guide will be available from the application to help users navigate the new system.
Q. Will my claim information transfer over automatically from the current IdahoWorks program?
A. Yes. All current and previous claim information, certifications and payments, issues, overpayments will be accessible by the claimant.
Q. How different will it be to file a weekly claim?
A. When you file your weekly continued claim report for week ending Nov. 14, you will see the new claimant portal application. You must create a new user account. Once you register and login, you will need to update your profile information. You will be prompted to answer personal identifying questions to verify your identity. At this point, you may enter your weekly continued claim report. Please note that the weekly continued claim report is now called a weekly certification application.
Q. Which Internet browser will the claimant portal be accessible from?
A. Claimant portal will be accessible using nearly any Internet browser including Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, Safari.
Q. Will the claimant portal be available in Spanish?
A. The claimant portal will initially release in English only. However, there are plans to make the entire application available in Spanish soon after the initial deployment.
Q. Will there be an interruption in online unemployment insurance services?
A. Yes. To accommodate the change, our current IdahoWorks program will be unavailable starting at 2 p.m. MST Tuesday, Nov. 10. The claimant portal will be available by 1 p.m. MST Thursday, Nov. 12. The IdahoWorks job search website at IdahoWorks.gov will not be affected.
Q. Will unemployment insurance payments for week ending Nov. 14 be delayed?
A. No.
Q. What will the screen look like on Thursday, Nov. 12?
Q. Can I look for work in the new system?
A. No. The claimant portal is for unemployment insurance applications only. Our job search application is separate. You are required to look for work at IdahoWorks.gov Please click here for additional work search requirement information.