The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has chosen Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to revolutionise its outdated unemployment insurance system, which dates back to the 1980s.
This decision comes in response to the unprecedented surge in unemployment claims experienced by the state during the pandemic, ranking Georgia as the third-highest in the nation for jobless claims. The ageing 40-year-old system struggled to cope with the immense load, highlighting the pressing need for an upgrade.
TCS, a renowned leader in the field of unemployment insurance modernisation, will partner with GDOL to implement a state-of-the-art, cloud-based unemployment insurance system. This cutting-edge platform is designed to streamline the claims process, ensuring that eligible individuals receive swift financial assistance and support during times of need.
The selection of TCS was influenced by the company’s exceptional track record in modernising unemployment insurance systems across various states. Several of TCS’s prior projects served as the blueprint for Georgia’s own modernisation plans, making them a natural fit for this crucial endeavour.
The new web-based platform will prioritise a user-friendly experience for Georgians, simplifying the application process for unemployment insurance benefits. It will also facilitate secure document uploads, allow users to track their claims’ progress, and provide essential updates.
By digitising processes and incorporating automated workflows, the system aims to expedite claims processing while minimising errors. Advanced security features will be embedded to combat fraud, ultimately ensuring that taxpayer dollars are safeguarded and benefits reach those who genuinely require them.
Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said: “Modernising Georgia’s 80s-era unemployment system represents the dynamic fusion between efficiency and innovation.
“A modern and responsive unemployment system minimises claims processing times, enhances the customer experience, prevents fraud, and positions GDOL to become the most transparent and responsive agency in state government.”
TCS has established itself as a frontrunner in transforming legacy unemployment insurance systems over the past two decades. Its expertise has been instrumental in aiding states such as Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, and Wyoming in their transformation journeys.
Additionally, during the pandemic, TCS played a pivotal role in assisting several states in managing exponential increases in unemployment claims, including the integration of the Federal Government’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programme.
TCS US public services chief commercial officer Robert Kane said: “In state after state, TCS has demonstrated how to leverage cutting-edge technology to improve accessibility, resilience, scalability, and transparency, significantly strengthening the critical safety net that unemployment insurance represents.
“We are pleased to partner with the Georgia Department of Labor in their digital transformation journey to create a new seamless and secure unemployment system that will meet the evolving needs of claimants and employers, streamline claims processing, reduce errors, prevent fraud, and improve the overall user experience.”
