UAMS ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDE

NUMBER: 4.1.09
DATE: 04/01/95
REVISION:

PURPOSE

Individuals who are separated from employment are eligible to apply for State Unemployment Insurance. All employers in Arkansas pay a state unemployment tax. Benefit payments are made to claimants who are temporarily unemployed through no fault of their own and who are attempting to reenter the labor force. The purpose of this policy is to inform all departments within UAMS of the procedures to be followed when a UAMS employee becomes a claimant for unemployment insurance.

PROCEDURE

1. Individuals who are recently unemployed may apply to receive unemployment insurance benefits through any Arkansas Employment Security Department (ESD) office. Employees who voluntarily resign their positions or who are terminated for misconduct may not be eligible to receive benefits. Final determination on eligibility to receive benefits is made by ESD.
2. The claimant must complete an application for unemployment insurance benefits. The claim is then reviewed by an ESD representative. A portion of this application, called the "Notice to Employer of Claim Filed for Unemployment Insurance Benefits," is sent to the last employer using the address provided by the claimant. This notice indicates the reason the claimant has given for their unemployment and their last day worked. The employer has an opportunity to provide additional information as to why the claimant is no longer employed.
3. A form known as the "Notice to Base Period Employers" may be sent to UAMS if the claimant worked for another employer after they were separated from UAMS, but before they filed an unemployment insurance claim. This form requests verification of the claimant's last day worked and reason for separation.
4. Any department or supervisor receiving either the Notice of Claim Filed or the Notice to Base Period Employer should immediately forward the form to the Office of Human Resources (OHR), Compensation and Benefits Section. A timely response is critical. Arkansas law prescribes that the employer must respond within seven (7) calendar days of ESD's mailing date. If no reply is made within the seven (7) calendar days, ESD will make a determination based solely upon the claimant's statement. Additionally, UAMS waives its right to further notification of the disposition of the claim, and UAMS' unemployment insurance account is subject to charge.
5. ESD will review the claims based on the information provided by UAMS and the claimant. ESD may contact the UAMS supervisor or Department Head for additional information or clarification during the review.
6. After the investigation is completed, ESD will make a determination regarding the claimant's eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits. The claimant or employer may appeal the decision. OHR is responsible for coordinating appeals on behalf of UAMS.
7. If a determination is appealed, a hearing is scheduled by the Arkansas Appeal Tribunal. Normally, appeals hearings require direct testimony from the claimant's immediate supervisor or Department Head. A representative of OHR will also attend in an advisory role. Occasionally, appeal testimony is given through a conference telephone call.
8. In all cases, OHR is responsible for communicating unemployment information to ESD.