Recently CCC received communication from Heather George| Chief, UI Claims Services for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, Office of UC Benefits Policy. The communication indicated a dramatic change in policy for handling unemployment claims in Pennsylvania.

The major changes are as follows:

• • • • • • • • • For employers that do not utilize a TPA to manage the unemployment process, state examiners will now contact employers by phone immediately after a claimant completes his telephone application.
                • For employers that do utilize a TPA to manage the unemployment process, state examiners are required to fax or email the UC-1210, Fax or Email Cover Sheet, along with the appropriate fact-finding form, to the TPA.  The TPA will be provided 4 business days to respond.

While the goal of the change is to improve the quality and timeliness when issuing initial determinations, CCC believes that these changes are very burdensome for both employers and TPAs.  The very short turn around can have an effect on the quality of the response that an employer and/or the TPA resulting in unnecessary allowances of unemployment benefits.

How will this affect employers moving forward?

Employers without a TPA

• Will be expected to respond during the initial call.
• If unable to respond during the initial call will be allowed to provide a preference for future communication
• No due date was included

Employers with a TPA

• Provided 4 days to respond
• Client of TPAs failing to respond will be contacted directly
• Fax or email coversheet required to insure responses are sent to the correct state examiner

How can employers insure success?

• Have a clear point of contact for receptionists/front office employees to direct state agency/TPA calls
• Keep files organized and prepared for a response.
• Respond quickly to all requests, there may be multiple methods of contact (claim, SIDES claim, calls, emails, faxes) from the state unemployment agency.

Questions?    Contact CCC via email at contact@corporatecostcontrol.com or (800) 207-6926