Update: A Computer Problem That Caused a Delay in Unemployment Benefit Payments Has Been Resolved

The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) has identified and corrected a computer problem that resulted in 86,000 benefit recipients from not having their unemployment payments posted to their debit card accounts today.

"The payment file has now made its way to the federal banking system. We will have an update mid morning tomorrow as to when the payments will be posted to our customers accounts," said Cindy Jones, DETR deputy director and Employment Security Division administrator. " As has been widely communicated, the agency is paying benefits in the most complicated environment ever, given with all of the benefit extension programs, and doing so with a very antiquated system. Unfortunately, system issues do occur from time to time, despite our efforts and dedication.”

Ms. Jones also stated, “I do apologize to our customers who were counting on payment today and fully recognize the hardship this delay causes. Please know that all hands are on deck to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.”

The department encourages impacted claimants to stay tuned to media alerts and updates that will be posted on the internet at www.nvdetr.org and www.expressclaim.org.

Jones went on to say, “DETR is requesting that the impacted claimants refrain from calling the telephone Unemployment Insurance claim centers, as our front line claims staff do not have any additional information.”

The department also discourages calls to the VISA debit card center as they too do not have additional information. Customers can avoid potential balance inquiry fees by not calling the debit card number. As always, checking account balances on-line is free at www.eppicard.com

Due to a computer problem, unemployment benefit payments failed to post to recipients' debit card accounts last night. The Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation is working with the bank and debit card vendors to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. At this moment, it has not been determined what happened nor how many claimants are affected. The agency asks that claimants check DETR's website, www.nvdetr.org and www.expressclaim.org periodically for up to the minute updates and please avoid calling the unemployment claims centers as representatives will not be able to provide any further information.

"The agency began working to correct the problem as soon as the issue was discovered in the early morning hours, said Cynthia Jones, DETR Deputy Director and Employment Security Division administrator. "We just ask claimants to be patient while we do everything humanly possible to get their benefits posted to their accounts. We sincerely regret the inconvenience, but claimants can rest assured that we will get to the bottom of this problem and will not stop working until these benefits are posted."