New York State Department of Labor - STATE TO PROVIDE SAFER AND MORE CONVENIENT ACCESS TO UI BENEFITS

Albany, NY (August 09, 2006) - State Labor Commissioner Linda Angello today announced that the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) will begin issuing all Unemployment Insurance benefit payments via debit cards on September 10, 2006. The cards, known as Direct Payment Cards, will offer customers a safe, easy, convenient way to access their benefits.

“Over the past twelve years, Governor Pataki has improved the State’s economy by creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in New York State,” Commissioner Angello said. “By using the Direct Payment Cards, we can assist those individuals who are in the transition from unemployment to work, and allow individuals the time they need to make career choices. That’s good for all New Yorkers.”

“The Direct Payment Card is another major step in our efforts to streamline and modernize the unemployment system. We have improved our ability to provide timely benefits to out-of-work New Yorkers and, at the same time, we have increased efficiency and reduced costs.”

The Direct Payment Card gives claimants immediate and convenient access to their benefits surcharge-free at more than 38,000 AllPoint and JPMorgan Chase ATMs in the U.S., and at millions of locations that display the MasterCard logo and nearly 5,000 MasterCard member bank branches in New York State.

“This initiative shows the Governor’s continued commitment to using technology to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, and the Department of Labor’s efforts to improve and integrate the way we deliver services to our customers,” Angello continued.

Those receiving benefits will no longer have to go to a bank or pay check-cashing fees. After the initial certification process, claimants can obtain Unemployment Insurance benefits faster – sometimes as quickly as 24 hours after filing an approved claim with the Labor Department.

Additionally, claimants will have access to their account information online, and can obtain account balances, review transaction histories and change their security PIN number. Claimants will have free 24-hour access via phone to a Direct Payment Card Customer Service Center at Chase Bank.

Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane), Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee said, “If someone goes on unemployment, the last thing they should be worrying about is whether or not the bank is open so they can cash their unemployment insurance check. Recipients under the new debit card system will be able to access their benefits quickly to buy groceries, pay bills, and make ends meet. This technology will really make payments go out more smoothly while also cutting down on unnecessary paperwork.”

Cheryl Halpern, JPMorgan Chase, President Northeast Government Banking Group said, “The New York State Department of Labor should be applauded for using innovative technology to get money into people’s hands faster and make it easier and safer for them to use – all while cutting administrative costs. JPMorgan Chase is delighted to be helping DOL supply these debit cards to about 680,000 claimants a year.”

Beginning August 17, 2006, customers will receive the Direct Payment Card in the mail from the Labor Department, along with instructions on how to use it. Effective September 10, 2006, DOL will no longer issue unemployment insurance benefits checks.

The Direct Payment Card is one of many innovations made to the Unemployment Insurance system over the past twelve years. The system has been streamlined and modernized to allow customers to file claims via the Internet or by phone and no longer wait in line for hours to apply for their benefits. Soon customers will also be able to receive benefits via direct deposit.

For more information about the Direct Payment Card or Unemployment Insurance, visit the Labor Department’s web site at www.labor.state.ny.us and click on the Direct Payment Card logo.



STATE TO PROVIDE SAFER AND MORE CONVENIENT ACCESS TO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Albany, NY (August 09, 2006) - State Labor Commissioner Linda Angello today announced that the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) will begin issuing all Unemployment Insurance benefit payments via debit cards on September 10, 2006. The cards, known as Direct Payment Cards, will offer customers a safe, easy, convenient way to access their benefits. “Over the past twelve years, Governor Pataki has improved the State’s economy by creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in New York State,” Commissioner Angello said. “By using the Direct Payment Cards, we can assist those individuals who are in the transition from unemployment to work, and allow individuals the time they need to make career choices. That’s good for all New Yorkers.” “The Direct Payment Card is another major step in our efforts to streamline and modernize the unemployment system. We have improved our ability to provide timely benefits to out-of-work New Yorkers and, at the same time, we have increased efficiency and reduced costs.” The Direct Payment Card gives claimants immediate and convenient access to their benefits surcharge-free at more than 38,000 AllPoint and JPMorgan Chase ATMs in the U.S., and at millions of locations that display the MasterCard logo and nearly 5,000 MasterCard member bank branches in New York State. “This initiative shows the Governor’s continued commitment to using technology to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, and the Department of Labor’s efforts to improve and integrate the way we deliver services to our customers,” Angello continued. Those receiving benefits will no longer have to go to a bank or pay check-cashing fees. After the initial certification process, claimants can obtain Unemployment Insurance benefits faster – sometimes as quickly as 24 hours after filing an approved claim with the Labor Department. Additionally, claimants will have access to their account information online, and can obtain account balances, review transaction histories and change their security PIN number. Claimants will have free 24-hour access via phone to a Direct Payment Card Customer Service Center at Chase Bank. Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane), Chairman of the Senate Labor Committee said, “If someone goes on unemployment, the last thing they should be worrying about is whether or not the bank is open so they can cash their unemployment insurance check. Recipients under the new debit card system will be able to access their benefits quickly to buy groceries, pay bills, and make ends meet. This technology will really make payments go out more smoothly while also cutting down on unnecessary paperwork.” Cheryl Halpern, JPMorgan Chase, President Northeast Government Banking Group said, “The New York State Department of Labor should be applauded for using innovative technology to get money into people’s hands faster and make it easier and safer for them to use – all while cutting administrative costs. JPMorgan Chase is delighted to be helping DOL supply these debit cards to about 680,000 claimants a year.” Beginning August 17, 2006, customers will receive the Direct Payment Card in the mail from the Labor Department, along with instructions on how to use it. Effective September 10, 2006, DOL will no longer issue unemployment insurance benefits checks. The Direct Payment Card is one of many innovations made to the Unemployment Insurance system over the past twelve years. The system has been streamlined and modernized to allow customers to file claims via the Internet or by phone and no longer wait in line for hours to apply for their benefits. Soon customers will also be able to receive benefits via direct deposit. For more information about the Direct Payment Card or Unemployment Insurance, visit the Labor Department’s web site at www.labor.state.ny.us and click on the Direct Payment Card logo. Share: Email More...