[Background image: Picture of Carly, a Customer Service Representative]
[Narrator speaks]
Hi, I’m Carly, a Customer Service Representative for the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program.
In this video, I’ll answer some questions about our Unemployment Insurance Request for Information.
We will cover: Why do we send Requests for Information? Why should you respond?
What are some tips for answering the questions? And, what can you expect after you respond?
[Narrator speaks]
We send you a Request for Information when there is a question about your former employee’s eligibility for unemployment benefits.
The most common reasons that we would question eligibility are if an applicant tells us that they are unemployed for a reason other than layoff, will receive severance pay, has a pension, or if you or another employer notifies us that they believe a former employee should not be eligible.
This is your chance to tell us your side of the story.
We will send you and your former employee the same questions and we will review both parties’ answers to make a determination based on the law.
Sometimes, if the information we have is incomplete, we may send you a second or third Request for Information.
[Narrator speaks]
We need facts to make an accurate decision about an applicant’s eligibility to receive benefit payments.
If we ask about the reason your former employee is unemployed, we need to understand what happened, how it happened, and why it happened. In addition to determining the applicant’s eligibility, we use the same information to determine whether your account will be charged for any benefits paid.
[Narrator speaks]
It’s a good idea to review the questions and get your thoughts together before you actually start writing your response. Read each question carefully; the questions we ask are designed to help you provide the information we need. Be complete in your answers; sometimes we ask for specific dates, the names of people involved, or other details.
It’s also easier for us to understand the information you provide if you explain things in chronological order: what happened first, second, third, fourth, and so on …
Answer each question. If you don’t think a question applies, just say that. Every Request for Information has a space at the bottom to provide more information.
If there is something we missed or something you think is important that we need to know, this is the time to tell us.
Finally, your answers will be reviewed by an individual trained to make determinations of eligibility.
They will read all your answers.
Don’t worry about correct spelling or grammar; we are just interested in understanding the facts.
[Narrator speaks]
Requests for Information are mailed to you, and are also available in your online account.
You can respond to the Request for Information online, by fax, or by mail.
Whichever way you choose to respond, it is important that we receive your response by the due date.
Otherwise we will make the determination without your information.
Even if the due date has passed, you should still respond. If you need help completing your
Request for Information, call Customer Service.
[Narrator speaks]
Responding to Requests for Information online is fast and easy. Most of all, it helps you avoid a late response and you KNOW that we got your information―no worrying about the mail or fax.
Let’s look at how to log in to your account, find the Requests for Information waiting for your response, complete the requests, and track the status.
[Narrator speaks]
The easiest way to access your account is to start at www.uimn.org, and click Employers & Agents.
On the employer page, under "Log in to my Account,” click Employers.
This will take you to the employer login page.
[Narrator speaks]
Once you log in to your account, you’ll see a number of different options available to you.
Click the Determinations and Issue Summary link from your Home page to see pending Requests for Information.
[Narrator speaks]
This page will display a list of items that are currently available for you to review or respond to.
There may be many items or none.
You can also do a custom search if you want to look at past activities or just narrow down your search.
To select a record you want to review or respond to, just click the former employee’s Social Security number.
This will take you to the page where you will see a Request for Information or other documents related to this employee.
[Narrator speaks]
On this page, you’ll see a list of all the current action items related to this applicant’s benefit account.
Notice that this page displays the Review By and Reply By dates.
“Review by” means that there is a document you should review, but no response is required unless you see a problem. “Reply by” means that we need you to respond to the document by the date listed.
You can click any of the action items, and look at the information that is presented, but for the purposes of this presentation, let’s just look at the Request for Information option.
[Narrator speaks]
All Requests for Information follow a similar pattern. There’ll be summary information at the top followed by a series of questions. Questions marked with a RED STAR must be answered.
It’s important that you know the information you enter is not saved until you click the Submit button.
Be complete in your answers, but plan to answer all of the questions in less than 30 minutes to avoid being automatically logged out.
Because of the 30-minute time limit, it’s a good idea to scan through the questions before you start writing your answers.
If you see questions that ask about dates or other details that you don’t have available, write down the information you need to look up, prepare your answers, and log back in to answer the questions.
Don’t forget that there are strict due dates to complete the Request for Information.
[Narrator speaks]
If you have documents that you want to send in to support your answers, look for the checkbox labeled “I will be sending in documents that support my answers.” If you check this box we will mail you a cover sheet that you should include with the documents.
You can also print the coversheet after you complete the questionnaire and click Submit.
Do not check this box unless you actually have a document you’re going to send in.
At the bottom of the page, there is a box where you can tell us additional information that you think we need to know.
When you are finished, click the SUBMIT button at the bottom of the page.
Your answers will NOT be saved and will not be available to us until you click the SUBMIT button.
[Narrator speaks]
After you click the Submit button a message will display indicating your Request for Information was successfully submitted along with your confirmation number.
If you indicated on the previous page that you were going to send in additional information, you’ll see a Document Cover Sheet link that you can click on to view and print the coversheet.
Now you can continue with other Unemployment Insurance business or leave your account.
[Narrator speaks]
After you respond, we review the information you and all others provided. In most cases, we can make a determination within a few business days of receiving responses from all parties.
If additional information is needed, we’ll send you a request and make it available to you online. We will make a determination of eligibility based on the law and facts.
You and all other parties will be mailed a copy of the determination. You can view your determination online once it’s been mailed.
[Narrator speaks]
When you respond to a Request for Information, always give complete details, and be as accurate as you can with your answers.
Accurate dates are often important and describing events in chronological order is always helpful.
It is important that you respond by the due date, Otherwise we will make the determination using the information that is available. Even if the due date has passed, you should still respond.
Respond online if you can. It’s faster and an easier way to make sure we get your answers.
[Narrator speaks]
If you have any questions or you need assistance, call Customer Service. I hope you’ve found this video helpful in understanding the Unemployment Insurance Request for Information process. Thank you.
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