Uplink CSS (Claimant Self Service for Unemployment Benefits)
Important notice regarding the temporary $25 weekly increase (which was part of the Economic Stimulus Legislation): This increased benefit amount applies to all eligible claimants collecting state or federal unemployment benefits. Claimants will receive two deposits with eligible weekly vouchers filed effective the week of 2/22/09 through the end of 2009. One deposit will include your weekly benefit amount. The other will include the $25 increase. The $25 increase will not be displayed on your Claimant Homepage. [Read More]
Important Note Regarding Payment Processing: In order to process as many weekly claim filings as possible for next day payment, payment processing on Sunday will start at 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) (beginning on Sunday 1/11/09). Payment processing for Monday through Saturday will start at 5:30 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). Any weekly claim filed after 3:00 PM (EST) on Sunday or 5:30 PM (EST) on Monday through Saturday will be processed the next day. Debit cards are typically funded each Monday through Friday.
Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Customers:
Please note that all services that DWD provides are free of charge and any entity that charges for our services does not represent the Department of Workforce Development or the State of Indiana.
Updates & Announcements
Important Changes to Note:
November 26, 2008
The United States Department of Labor has issued instructions for the recently enacted federal extended unemployment compensation program. Key highlights include:- The original 13-week program, passed in July 2008, is now 20 weeks.
- The new program, approved in November 2008, offers 13 additional benefit weeks for Hoosiers. Claimants who have exhausted their 26 weeks of state unemployment and 20 weeks of federal extended unemployment benefits are now eligible for up to an additional 13 weeks of federal unemployment payments.
- Claimants will be able to file for the new federal benefits through the Uplink system on November 30th, 2008. (Uplink CSS). Payments for these claims, however, may not appear in claimant debit card accounts for up to five business days after initial filing.
- Additional information on this extension is available through a Frequently Asked Questions document (Extended Unemployment Compensation)
- As additional information becomes available it will be posted on DWD's homepage.
November 21, 2008
The United States Congress and President Bush have approved a second federal extension of unemployment benefits to qualified individuals. The Department of Workforce Development will notify all potential claimants on the Uplink homepage about how to apply for the federal extension once details are available. Claimants can visit their Uplink homepage beginning on Monday, November 24, for the latest information about the federal extension.
Security-related changes to User Name and/or Password
Due to a change in security standards for Uplink CSS, you may be required to change your current User Name and/or Password. New standards require 3 – 20 characters for the User Name and 8 - 20 characters for the Password. You will be prompted to change your User Name and/or Password if they do not meet the new security standards.
Link to Indiana Career Connect (Indiana’s new job matching system)
According to the Unemployment Insurance laws of the State of Indiana, each claimant must register for work within 4 weeks (unless “job attached”). Uplink CSS will now direct claimants who are required to register for work to Indiana Career Connect via a job matching link.
Debit Card Program
All benefits paid are distributed via the new "Unemployment Insurance Benefit Debit Card". Please watch for your card in the mail. Click here for details on the Debit Card ProgramCSS Resources & Tools
Getting Started with Uplink Claimant Self Service – Find answers related to Uplink Claimant Self Service and Unemployment Insurance
Uplink Video Tutorial or Uplink Screenshot Tutorial – Recommended for people new to Uplink Claimant Self Service.
Uplink CSS Weekly Claim Voucher & Reopened Claims Video Tutorial
Uplink CSS Weekly Claim Voucher & Reopened Claims Screenshot Tutorial
Things To Remember When Using Uplink
Basic Information Sheet on Uplink CSS
Claimant Self Service Helpful Hints
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
To file for unemployment insurance benefits, you need to use the new Uplink Claimant Self Service system. Read the information that follows and then click the link above.
- Please pay very close attention to the questions on the weekly claim voucher (especially the questions pertaining to your availability for work and work search). Be sure to review your answers carefully before you click on the “next” button.
- You must register as a new user the first time you use the new Uplink Claimant Self Service (make sure to set these items up carefully and remember your user ID, password and security question). This is required as a measure to protect your personal information.
- Important Change to Note: In order to protect your personal information, the Windows auto complete feature (which remembers your user name and password) will no longer be available for use with the CSS Uplink application. This means you will need to enter your user name and password every time you log in to CSS Uplink.
- Be sure to enter your legal name and correct birth date. This information will be verified with the Social Security Administration, and incorrect information may cause delays or denial of unemployment benefits.
- To file for unemployment benefits, enter your information during the first week you wish to claim benefits.
- Your waiting period does not begin until you file your claim.
- You may file Weekly Claim Vouchers beginning the following Sunday after filing your new or reopened claim.
