Communication

Alaska’s UI program is dedicated to providing unemployed workers fast and accurate payment of UI benefits. With the seasonal nature of much of the state’s workforce and Alaska’s vast remoteness, UI benefits serve to not only bridge the economic gap for the individual worker, but also as a stabilizing influence on local economies. Workers who have become unemployed or are working less than fulltime are encouraged to apply for UI benefits as soon as possible. Application for a UI claim is easy and can be conducted using the same familiar online account (myAlaska) that Alaska residents use to file their Permanent Fund Dividend and access other state services. In addition to UI staff, ES staff are familiar with myAlaska and can guide claimants through the application process.

To help claimants with their job search efforts, Alaska uses Wagner–Peyser funds to maintain ALEXsys, which provides registered job seekers access to state and local jobs advertised by Alaska employers. Both UI and ES online systems require a claimant’s email address; both UI and ES staff can assist a claimant in establishing an email address for these purposes.

The application for the UI claim generates comprehensive information to the claimant including their rights and responsibilities, eligibility requirements, how to file biweekly claims, and how payment may be received. Unless specifically exempted by UI, all claimants must be physically able and available to seek and accept suitable, fulltime work. ES staff have a basic understanding of this requirement.