FR 2020-29140

The document published by the Employment and Training Administration under the Labor Department serves as a notice to inform state workforce agencies about a revised Schedule of Remuneration for the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) Program. This revised schedule reflects the military pay increase effective January 1, 2021. The schedule is essential for calculating federal military wages when there is no DD Form 214 available for a servicemember filing their first UCX claim. For claims filed before January 1, 2021, the previous year's schedule remains in use.

Summary

Each year, the Department of Defense issues a Schedule of Remuneration, which states must use to determine federal military wages for UCX claims when a servicemember's DD Form 214 is unavailable. The updated schedule applies to UCX claims filed beginning January 1, 2021. This adjustment ensures that military pay changes are accurately reflected in unemployment compensation claims.

Issues and Concerns

Several potential issues arise from this notice:

1. Familiarity with the Schedule: The document presumes that state workforce agencies and their personnel are acquainted with the Schedule of Remuneration. However, new personnel or states with less experience may lack clarity on its application, potentially leading to errors or inconsistencies in processing claims.

2. Lack of Transparency: The notice does not explain how the schedule is determined or whether states have any opportunity to contest or provide input. This lack of transparency could cause confusion or dissatisfaction among states required to use the schedule.

3. Unclear Contingency Procedures: While the notice provides procedures for when a DD Form 214 is not on file, it does not account for other reasons DD Form 214 might be unavailable. Such gaps could complicate the filing process for states and individuals.

4. Insufficient Guidance for States: There is no specific contact or process detailed for states needing clarification or an action plan if they encounter issues with responding to the FCCC's responses.

5. Impact on Unemployment Compensation: The implications of the schedule changes on compensation amounts are not discussed, leaving unclear the financial impact on states and claimants.

6. Notification and Support for Claimants: The document does not address how affected servicemembers are informed or assisted if their claims are impacted by the absence of a DD Form 214.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the revised schedule aims to ensure that unemployment compensation for ex-servicemembers accurately reflects updated military wages, supporting financial fairness and consistency. However, without sufficient awareness and understanding of the changes, states may face challenges that could trickle down to claimants, possibly leading to delays or inaccuracies in unemployment benefits.

Impact on Stakeholders

State workforce agencies are principal stakeholders affected by this notice. They must adapt their processes to integrate the revised schedule and manage cases where usual documentation is missing. State agencies could face administrative burdens if too many claims necessitate the affidavit process triggered by missing DD Form 214 forms.

Servicemembers filing for UCX are directly affected, particularly when their claims require manual calculations of military wages. Potential delays or discrepancies due to unfamiliar or unclear procedures could negatively impact their ability to receive timely and accurate compensation.

In summary, while the updated schedule is a necessary adjustment to reflect military pay increases, the notice's lack of detailed procedural guidance and communication strategy could hinder its effective implementation, underscoring the need for clearer communication and support mechanisms for both states and servicemembers.