TeleServe certification number to change
Saves $2M;
Internet remains preferred option
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[May 15, 2013]
CHICAGO -- On Thursday, the
TeleServe certification number used by the Illinois Department of
Employment Security will change to 312-338-4337 (IDES). The current
TeleServe number will be in use through the end of the day on
Wednesday. Internet certification does not change and remains the
preferred method for timeliness and accuracy. The change will save
Illinois taxpayers $2 million each year, according to the
department.
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"Our role in the Illinois economy is twofold. We use specific
programs to link together job seekers and businesses so both can be
successful. And we do so through programs that protect taxpayer
dollars and fight waste, fraud and abuse," said IDES Director Jay
Rowell. "Today is another example of a state agency looking to
streamline operations and save money while staying responsible to
its core mission." Workers eligible for unemployment insurance
must contact IDES every two weeks to confirm that they are actively
pursuing work and meeting other eligibility requirements. This fraud
prevention tool is known as certifying for benefits, and it can be
accomplished at
www.ides.illinois.gov.
The Internet remains the preferred method to certify because it
has significant advantages: It is faster and easier. Successful
confirmation is immediate. The possibility of pressing the wrong
button is eliminated, thereby preventing missed benefit payments.
Currently, 100 percent of unemployment insurance benefit payments
are electronic. Nearly 60 percent of all unemployment insurance
applications are submitted through the Internet, and nearly 40
percent of the people collecting benefits currently use the Internet
to certify.
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Internet certification also can help the long-term unemployed
become more confident with their computer skills, thereby reducing a
significant barrier to re-employment. Other advantages associated
with Internet certification outweigh any perceived negatives. Modern
telephone plans have bundled minutes that no longer consider
long-distance charges, making the current toll-free option less
appealing.
Illinois businesses are hiring. More than 100,000 help-wanted ads
are on
IllinoisJobLink.com, the IDES employment website that links job
seekers with employers. Keyword-matching technology increases the
likelihood of a successful new hire and compares favorably with
private efforts that cost hundreds of dollars. No-cost human
resources recruitment services for business owners are available
through the website and 877-342-7533.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Employment Security
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |