MEDIA RELEASE

The state Department of Labor & Industrial Relations has announced that direct deposit of unemployment insurance (UI) benefits now is offered to claimants.

Making unemployment benefits available via direct deposit is part of the Abercrombie Administration’s efforts to transform government into a more efficient enterprise and providing convenient services to the public.

“We are pleased to offer the option of having unemployment benefits deposited directly into individuals’ personal bank DLIR Director Dwight Takamine said. “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 deposit is a faster and more secure method of payment for claimants and will save the state by reducing postage costs. The implementation of the direct deposit system will be in phases, starting with Kauai and progressing to the remaining islands.

By April, all residents across the state will have access to direct deposit.

To qualify, individuals must have a personal registration account on the UI website: http://labor.hawaii.gov/ui

Newly established registrants or existing users should log in and check for the direct deposit feature as it becomes available where they reside.