Changes to Unemployment Insurance Take Effect July 1

state-flag-indianaHoosiers receiving unemployment insurance will notice changes to eligibility requirements on July 1, 2011. The new rules are part of laws passed by the General Assembly making several changes to unemployment insurance over the next year.

“The new laws close loopholes in eligibility requirements,” said Mark W. Everson, Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development. “This will ensure only those who are truly unemployed are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits."

The following individuals will not be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits beginning July 1:

  • People who work on an on-call or as-needed basis when they receive pay or refuse work during any week.
    • These individuals usually work for an employer whenever work is available but there is no set work schedule.
  • Workers employed at a business during a planned short-term shutdown
    • A planned short-term shutdown is an employer mandated vacation period with or without pay. Employees must be given at least 6 months advance notice or notified at the time of hire.
  • Employees of Head Start programs who are on planned breaks such as summer vacation.
  • Individuals who fail or refuse a drug test given by an employer before hiring will be denied benefits.
    • The Department of Workforce Development will process this as a work refusal when notified by an employer.

For more information, employers should view the online handbook at http://www.in.gov/dwd/files/Employer_Handbook.pdf. Additional information for individuals is available online at http://www.in.gov/dwd/files/Claimant_Handbook.pdf.