Unemployment Insurance

We want workers to access needed unemployment insurance benefits quickly, safely, and confidently.

Our approach

U.S. Digital Response (USDR) helps governments ensure equitable, accurate, and timely delivery of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits by using minimum-code technology and human-centered design. We understand the challenges governments face in administering benefits and are a trusted partner for workforce agencies across the country in their efforts to ensure all workers have access to this necessary lifeline.

USDR can also provide much needed support for workforce agencies to improve language access, including research and translation services to reach those with limited English proficiency.

Since April 2020, we have partnered with nine state workforce agencies and the Department of Labor to help streamline processes for both claimants and case workers, delivering benefits quickly to those who need them most.

“At a time when we needed to move quickly and thoughtfully, U.S. Digital Response assisted the Kansas Department of Labor in making it possible for Kansas residents to apply for the unemployment benefits they need.”

Secretary DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Ed. D.

Executive Branch Chief Information Technology Officer
Kansas Department of Administration

“Over and over again we have heard from people that they are so grateful this tool exists. It is truly serving folks in their time of need.”

Holly Low

Manager of Strategic Outreach
New Jersey Department of Labor

“USDR has helped us work ahead of our solutioning by providing critical research and skillful guidance throughout 2021. Their teams have been professional, passionate, and [make it] easy to collaboratively accomplish complex work. Looking forward to future projects!”

Matt LaPalm

Director of Digital Service & Open Government
City of San Rafael

We can help

Improve the claimant experience

Provide plain language & translation support

Reduce call center volume

Automate fraud and risk management

Evaluate vendor offerings

Streamline vendor onboarding

Get help now

Current offerings

Language Access for Unemployment Insurance

We can help your state increase equitable access to unemployment insurance for workers with limited English proficiency by providing plain language translation support.

Learn more about Language Access for Unemployment Insurance >>

Multilingual Retroactive PUA Eligibility Resources for State Workforce Agencies

We have worked closely with a state workforce agency to help administer retroactive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance in English and Spanish. To help additional workforce agencies in similar efforts, USDR has made the insights and recommendations free for any district, or territory in the U.S. to use.

Learn more about our multilingual UI resources

Customer support mechanisms for UI agencies

Phone operators are critical for helping people who need high-touch support, but agencies have been overwhelmed by volume. In this guide, we investigate complementary mechanisms such as online appointment scheduling and chatbots.

Read the guide »

Identity proofing for UI agencies

We’ve researched the major vendors that provide automated identity proofing services. In this guide, we evaluate their solutions, government compatibility, and credibility.

Read the guide »

Unemployment Insurance Modernization Guidebook

Our definitive guide for designing, building, and maintaining humane UI systems, as informed by all of our previous and current work with agencies around the United States. We cover identity proofing, case management, customer support, and more.

Read the guide »

Don’t see what you need? Talk to us about a custom project.

We’re always looking to partner with governments on new solutions. Contact our team to discuss the problems you’re facing.

Get help now

Get the help you need, now.

USDR is fast, free, and nonpartisan.
We’ll get back to you within 48 hours.

“We are honored to see so many dedicated technologists step up to work on behalf of New York City. With technology products that work to combat hate crimes, lower language barriers, and drive digital equity, the work [...] will have a lasting impact on improving New Yorkers’ lives.”

Bill de Blasio

‍Mayor
New York City

“USDR has provided smart, informed, and fast help for a variety of issues. They are an invaluable resource to governments at a critical time.”

Robert Gordon

Director
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

“Volunteers from USDR have not only helped bring incredible expertise and extra hands to us in a great time of need, they’ve provided critical-thinking skills at a time when our team is working long hours and experiencing burnout.”

Rebecca Woodbury

Director of Digital Service & Open Government
City of San Rafael

“USDR has been an invaluable source of talent, helping our office move at the ‘speed of need’... I would recommend any agency consider partnering with them to add team capacity and leverage unique skill sets in these trying times.”

Ross Dakin

New Jersey Office of Innovation