UI Navigator program makes strides during first year

Nearly a year has passed since Employment Security Department and nine community-based organizations kicked off a new program to help potential unemployment claimants in underserved communities better understand available benefits. 

In early 2024, Employment Security Department distributed nearly $2 million in U.S. Department of Labor funds to nine organizations in Washington for ESD’s Unemployment Insurance Navigator program. 

Working closely with Employment Security, staff from these community-based organizations, called UI Navigators, help lower or remove barriers to unemployment benefits in local communities. These staff also help Employment Security ensure benefits are available and accessible to all qualified workers. 

Making an impact already 

Word is getting out and it’s no wonder UI Navigators are seeing results. These community organizations, which combined speak more than 25 languages, have shared more than 10,000 promotional products with their communities. 

Since the program started in February 2024, the community organizations have helped 3,328 people, 1,872 (56%) of which filed unemployment benefits.

Claimants receiving help from UI Navigators are getting the information they need to file their unemployment claims accurately so they are paid quickly. 

One step has made a big difference: Claimants using UI Navigators are correctly providing identification documents during the benefit sign-up process. In fact, more than half of claimants using the UI Navigators have provided Employment Security the correct information, including identification documents – an impressive feat considering the language or other barriers these claimants face. 

Speaking of speed, 80% percent of UI Navigator customers’ unemployment claims were paid in within two weeks – a high percentage showing that assistance from UI Navigators helps customers receive money in their pockets when they need it most. 

Summit provides opportunity to share knowledge, collaborate 

UI Navigators aren’t just working with the Employment Security Department – these groups are sharing knowledge to help one another with common issues or challenges their customers face. 

In December, UI Navigators joined Employment Security in Tukwila to celebrate accomplishments and compare notes after nearly a year working with customers in the program. 

Sitting near display tables of unique cultural items that represented attendees and the communities they served, UI Navigators shared stories about helping customers sign up for unemployment benefits, processes that have helped customers with their claims and systemic challenges in the unemployment benefits system that affect customers.  

Community organizations joined staff for lunch from minority- and women-owned food trucks, which added to the theme of celebrating cultures and community during the summit. 

During the summit, Employment Security staff, as well as other agencies and organizations, shared their expertise on a variety of subjects including eServices, labor market information and more. 

Learn more about eServices and labor market information on Employment Security’s website. 

But the event didn’t just focus on unemployment benefits. Local WorkSource partners and staff who support job search efforts also met with UI Navigators to learn from one another about local outreach. WorkSource has offices throughout the state that provide services to help Washingtonians find work. 

Learn more about WorkSource at WorkSourceWA.com. 

Other attendees included Dr. Shery Smith, a representative from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Region 6, which covers Washington. Smith praised Employment Security and the UI Navigators for their approach and commitment to the program. 

To learn more about the UI Navigator program, email communications@esd.wa.gov. 

For more photos of the UI Navigator summit in December, check out ESD’s Flickr page.