Tag Archives: Unemployment insurance

Unemployment insurance workshop happening Aug. 27 for employers

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 19, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about unemployment insurance (UI) Thursday, Aug. 27, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The workshop will take place at the Idaho Department of Labor’s Caldwell office, 4515 Thomas Jefferson St.

UI Supervisor Vicki Raass will discuss in detail the different employee separations (laid off, discharged or quit), separation documentation, investigating unemployment claims, determining claim outcomes, chargeability and liability, claimant eligibility, employer attachment and using E-services.

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Unemployment insurance (UI) claimants must thoroughly document work search actions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 17, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor has identified an increase in UI claimants being denied benefits as a result of insufficient work search documentation.

Claimants must prove they are actively searching for work by completing five work search actions a week. Details and contact information for the action are then submitted by the claimant in their weekly certification. If the information provided cannot be verified by the department, benefits may be denied and overpayments may be established. Continue reading →

Unemployment insurance workshop for employers takes place Thursday

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about unemployment insurance (UI) Thursday, May 7, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The workshop will take place at the Idaho Department of Labor’s Twin Falls office, 458 Parkview Loop.

UI Supervisor Vicki Raass and Workforce Consultant Oscar Escobedo will discuss in detail the different employee separations (laid off, discharged or quit), separation documentation, investigating unemployment claims, determining claim outcomes, chargeability and liability, claimant eligibility, employer attachment and using E-services.

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Boise man sentenced for unemployment insurance fraud

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 19, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

Bryan Hayhurst, 39, of Boise, pleaded guilty to one felony count of Misrepresentation to Obtain Unemployment Benefits, which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Hayhurst was sentenced by Ada County Judge Peter Barton on Nov. 19 to five years in prison, with two years fixed and three years indeterminate. Hayhurst was also ordered to pay restitution of $16,083.08 to the Idaho Department of Labor.

The Labor Department requires unemployment insurance (UI) claimants to report accurately when filing each week of their claim. In this case, between April 2020 through July 2020, Hayhurst claimed he had not worked when he had worked and earned wages.

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Oct. 30 webinar will educate Idaho employers on the unemployment insurance process

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 23, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about the unemployment insurance (UI) process from the Idaho Department of Labor during a free Zoom webinar, Thursday, Oct. 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. MT.

Adjudication Supervisor Eric Erickson will discuss in detail the different employee separations (laid off, discharged or quit), separation documentation, investigating unemployment claims, determining claim outcomes, chargeability and liability, claimant eligibility, employer attachment and using E-services.

Register for the event here.

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Federal government shutdown: Idaho unemployment insurance benefits

Unemployment insurance (UI) information pertaining to federal workers affected by the federal government shutdown:

Q: I am a federal worker who has been furloughed. Am I eligible for unemployment?

Yes. You are considered laid off due to lack of work and you need to meet personal and monetary eligibility. However, as a federal employee, you also need to be aware of a potential unintended consequence of applying for unemployment insurance benefits.

If the federal government compensates you or back pays you for the work you missed during the furlough (as it has historically), you will be required to disclose your payment information to the department and repay any UI benefits you collect during that time.

Before you apply, note that you will not receive your first UI payment for approximately three weeks after you file for benefits.

If you have questions about the claim process, please call the claim center at 208-332-8942 or talk to a navigator at your nearest local office.

Q: What if I am one of the federal workers who are required to continue to work full time without pay?

You would not be eligible for benefits if you are working full time, regardless of pay. Full time is normally defined as 40 hours per week.

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Labor defines key terms for unemployment insurance

Are you currently receiving unemployment insurance benefits and are confused by some of the terms?

Below is an alphabetical list of common terms to help you understand your benefits with resources to learn more.

Appeal
An appeal is a request to have the Idaho Department of Labor look at your determination again and reconsider your situation. Learn more.

Base period
A base period is your wages from four (4) quarters of a calendar year. There are two types of base period used by the department when reviewing your wages, described below:

  • Regular base period: Your wage information from the first four (4) of the last five (5) completed calendar quarters.
  • Alternative base period: Your wage information from the last four (4) completed calendar quarters.

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Idaho Department of Labor works to prevent, stop unemployment insurance fraud

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 23, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

The conviction of Woody Roberts, 38, of Jerome, for two counts of Misrepresentation to Obtain Unemployment Insurance Benefits, began as an investigation by Idaho Department of Labor compliance staff as part of the Department’s efforts to stop unemployment insurance fraud.

“Preventing unemployment insurance fraud helps us keep unemployment insurance taxes low while still providing benefits to eligible individuals,” said Idaho Department of Labor Director Jani Revier.

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Oct. 30 webinar will educate Idaho employers on unemployment insurance tax compliance

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 22, 2024
Media Contact: Kandi.Rudd@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about unemployment insurance (UI) tax compliance from the Idaho Department of Labor during a free Zoom webinar, Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. MDT.

UI Program Supervisor Eric Patera will discuss experience ratings, covered employment, corporate officers, independent contractors, accountable plan reimbursements and the employer portal.

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Idaho Department of Labor Twin Falls office moves to Pole Line Road

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Aug. 26, 2024
Media Contact: Megan.Beyer@labor.idaho.gov

The department’s Twin Falls office has moved to a new location at 601 Pole Line Road.

The office is open to customers Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The location is shared with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Customers will get the same assistance with resume writing, job applications, interview preparation, job training opportunities, community resources and filing for unemployment insurance benefits that was available at the previous location. Continue reading →