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The Montana Department of Labor & Industry has successfully launched its new unemployment insurance benefits and tax system, following more than a year of development and testing

Missoula, MT – According to the state officials, the new system comes with added features, making it simpler for UI claimants to apply for benefits and request payments, while also making it easier for employers to pay their UI taxes.

Development of the new system began in August of 2022 and was formally launched to the public on Monday, October 2.

Over the course of the month, thousands of UI claimants successfully filed their benefits claims and received payments.

Montana employers successfully filed their required quarterly wage reports, due at the end of October.

As some users encountered friction adapting to the new system, staff were available to resolve issues.

Among the new features of the system are a mobile-friendly interface, allowing claimants access from their phones, which could not be done with the old system.

Instant, secure messaging enables claimants and employers to chat directly with UI customer service agents.

Automated, secure fact-finding reduces the strain on employers who were previously forced to communicate with UI via fax or mail.

Written by Ryan Mills

The Department of Environmental Quality announced that the state will receive a $2 million grant from the US Department of Energy under the State Manufacturing Leadership Program

The Noxious Weed Management Advisory Council met on Wednesday and reviewed grant applications and addressed general updates