Welcome to the Program Support Bureau
Benefits Payment Control: Overpayment Unit - The Overpayment Unit collects benefit overpayments in several different ways including offsetting future unemployment benefits, monthly repayment plans or paying the debt in full by check or money order. The Overpayment Unit will work with claimants to develop a repayment plan that fits individual budgets, while repaying the debt within a reasonable amount of time. The Overpayment Unit will pursue legal action if necessary.
Benefits Payment Control - Claims Investigation
Unit
The Claims Investigation Unit randomly audits unemployment insurance
claims. The unit performs crossmatches with corrections facilities
to determine whether incarcerated persons have improperly filed claims
for benefits. It also conducts crossmatches with the National
Directory of New Hires to ensure that fully reemployed individuals
are not receiving benefits. The Claims Investigation Unit ensures
the integrity of the Unemployment Insurance program. During
the 2006 calendar year, the unit established $632,000 in Overpayments
of UI Benefits.
Image Processing Center (IPC) - The Image Processing Center is the clearinghouse for all Unemployment Insurance claim related documents. Using specialized computer software and scanning equipment, documents are electronically committed to an Imaging system accessible by claims processing personnel thereby insuring timely processing of claims for Unemployment Insurance benefits. The IPC also provides receptionist and other administrative support services to the Division.
Management Analysts - The Management Analysts perform program reviews for Appeals, Benefits, Automation, and Tax areas to ensure compliance with federal standards. The analysts coordinate state legislation, administrative rules, division policies, data validation, and internal security. Management, workload, and performance reports, grant writing and monitoring, information sharing, trust fund models and projections, and data preparation are conducted by the group as well. Additionally, the analysts perform special projects, reviews, draft writing, and special assignments.
Information Technology Section - The IT Section of the Program Support Bureau is responsible for all of the UI Division's information technology needs.
The Software Development Unit maintains existing software applications (MISTICS, Imaging, Workflow, UI Tax) as well as new development to satisfy the myriad of requests for new capabilities. Requirements for change are driven from the customer perspective, and include implementation of Federal and State programs, law or rule changes, internal customer requests as well as external requests from the citizens of Montana.
The MISTICS Technical Support Unit provides expertise in the operation of the UI benefits system (MISTICS) as well as the imaging and workflow components. In addition to providing user support, the unit is the first stop for testing new software before it is turned over to the users for additional testing prior to deployment to the production environment.
The PC Support Unit provides support for all computing platforms, including desktop workstations, servers, printers, and scanners. Software upgrades to the operating systems and layered software products are also provided by this unit. Troubleshooting and repair of faulty computing equipment is also the responsibility of this unit.
Budget & Accounting Section - The Budget and Accounting section manages the division's accounting and budgeting functions, including cash management and accounting for the UI trust fund, reconciliation of the benefit account, financial audits and all state budgeting functions. In addition, this section is also responsible for financial reporting to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) Section - The Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) system uses diagnostic tools to identify claim errors and their causes and corrects and tracks solutions to these problems. BAM audits are conducted on paid and denied claims on a weekly basis.
B.O.L.A. (Board of Labor Appeals) - The Board of Labor Appeals (BOLA) is an independent, 3 member board appointed by the governor to act as a review panel for issues related to Unemployment Insurance benefit claims. Cases can be appealed to the Board when either an employer or a claimant is dissatisfied with the decision of a Department of Labor Hearing Officer. Hearings before the board are normally held by telephone, but parties can attend in person. The board’s function is to hear arguments regarding the Hearing Officer’s decision. Employers, claimants and UI Division representatives may testify as to why the decision is incorrect either in facts of the case or application of law. At the conclusion of the hearing, the board deliberates the information presented and renders a decision. They can affirm, reverse or modify the decision of the Hearing Officer. This decision is final unless a party to the hearing initiates an action into District Court within 30 days.
