State Unemployment Benefits Now Payable by Direct Deposit

The Hawai‘i State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations has announced that residents qualifying for unemployment insurance benefits will be able to have their benefits paid via direct deposit as of March 10.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has been pushing for direct deposit of benefits as part of an effort to increase efficiency in operations across state government.

“We are pleased to offer the option…” stated DLIR Director Dwight Takamine, adding “Waiting for the mail to arrive, standing in line at the bank or relying on paper checks that may get lost or stolen can now be avoided by registering on our website.”

Direct deposits should also save the state money by reducing postage costs. The implementation of the system will be accomplished in phases, starting with Kauai and progressing to the remaining islands.

By April 2013, all Hawaii residents on unemployment benefits should be able to take advantage of the direct deposit system.

To qualify, individuals must register on the UI website http://labor.hawaii.gov/ui.