New UCI Portal Debuts

For nearly 25 years, Unemployment Consultants, Inc. (UCI) has been PDRMA’s unemployment compensation vendor, helping members file and manage unemployment insurance claims. Recently, UCI worked with a PDRMA-member focus group to create a new claim portal, switching to an online system instead of email and phone contact. The portal is currently available to members upon request with a full roll-out of the software by the end of second quarter 2024.

How it Works

When an employee files an unemployment compensation claim with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), UCI’s claim portal receives immediate notification via a direct feed from IDES. The portal then alerts the affected PDRMA member agency, and the member can track the claim via the portal to be sure they meet all IDES deadlines.

“During its developmental stage, we had a PDRMA-member focus group review our portal and make suggestions,” notes Carol Gabrielsen, Principal, UCI, “and we included those suggestions in the final version.

“All PDRMA members can now use the UCI portal, which offers 24/7 access and the ability to check unemployment compensation claims status — such as if benefits were denied or allowed — in real time,” adds Gabrielsen. “This saves agencies time, as they can respond directly via the portal to requests for information instead of having to email it. Members say the portal is user friendly, and we’re offering a webinar training session March 11 for anyone  interested in attending. We’ll also continue to offer tech support.”

Seven PDRMA members participated in the focus group, including Lynn Wiltfong, Human Resources and Risk Manager, Glen Ellyn Park District. “The system is pretty user friendly in my opinion — and I’m not as tech savvy as others I’m sure are,” she admits. “I input information directly into the system and like having that option as opposed to emailing UCI the requested info.
 
“I also like that it’s easy to upload support materials such as corrective action documents, evaluations or termination letters directly into the claimants account in the portal,” Wiltfong adds. “Personally, having the UCI portal has improved my experience. Agencies now can respond to questions or requests within the portal and follow the claim process in real time.”

“We’re pleased PDRMA members find the portal meets their needs and appreciate UCI’s commitment to address those needs,” explains Tim Conlon, PDRMA Property/Casualty Program Director. “We look forward to having UCI continue to be our unemployment compensation vendor.”