The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of the Chief Information Officer is being recognized for their significant efforts to improve the service delivery for unemployment insurance (UI) claimants through the UI ID Verification Program. Historically, navigating the UI benefit application process across different states posed challenges due to varying procedures. To address this, DOL collaborated with the General Services Administration (GSA) and United States Postal Service (USPS) to develop a streamlined ID verification system accessible nationwide.

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The program offers both digital and in-person verification options, accommodating claimants with and without reliable internet access. For digital verification, DOL partnered with GSA’s Login.gov, ensuring a secure and user-friendly experience akin to online shopping. For in-person verification, leveraging USPS’s extensive network of locations across the U.S. provided equitable access to services.

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Key to the program’s success was DOL’s collaborative approach with federal agencies and state governments. By partnering with GSA for secure digital authentication and USPS for widespread physical accessibility, DOL ensured a consistent, reliable experience for UI claimants nationwide. Moreover, DOL supported states by hosting and maintaining the IT platform and covering initial transactional costs, thereby reducing state infrastructure burdens.

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This initiative has already benefited over 157,000 claimants, with 9 states currently operational and plans to expand to 30 more by 2024. By establishing unified processes across state lines and enhancing service accessibility, DOL’s efforts have significantly improved the UI claimant experience and streamlined government service delivery.