(12 3 2024) Alaska to implement online identity verification option for individuals filing for Unemployment Insurance benefits

Alaska to implement online identity verification option for individuals filing for Unemployment Insurance benefits

Dec. 3, 2024
No. 24-27

JUNEAU - Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) Commissioner Catherine Muñoz announced today that beginning Dec. 10, 2024, DOLWD will implement a new identity (ID) verification security feature as part of the online Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits claim application process. This new feature will prevent fraud or misuse of the UI program and improve customer experience when filing a claim.

"Online identify verification will improve the process for Alaskans seeking unemployment insurance benefits while they look for new employment opportunities," Commissioner Muñoz said. "The online tool will help Alaskans to use their UI benefits and protect the fund from fraudulent claims."

Currently, first-time claim filers must file a claim by calling the UI Claim Center during call hours (Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) and go through ID verification process with a UI staff member. On Dec. 10, 2024, new online ID verification options and instructions will be provided to first-time claim filers during UI Claim Center call hours so that they can call and speak with a staff member if assistance is needed.

On Dec. 16, 2024, the new ID verification options and instructions will be provided at the beginning of the online claim application process online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individuals can choose to verify their identity through Login.gov, or in person at a United States Postal Service (USPS) location; or the individuals can still choose to file a claim by calling the UI Claim Center during call hours. Alaskans can contact the UI Claim Center at (907) 465-5552, in Juneau, or (907) 269-4700, in Anchorage.

Alaska DOLWD takes fraudulent activities to collect UI benefits seriously. If an individual obtains benefits through fraud, the individual is subject to criminal prosecution, ineligible for any additional benefit payments and must re-pay the benefits received.

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