BI Beat - Warning! Checkmarks Matter 

To be eligible for UI, claimants need to register with their states’ employment services (ES). States might include a question box at the end of the initial application, authorizing the use of their credentials to register. Other states might not even ask and just auto-enroll—which is even better. In many states, claimants still have to take additional action, like filling out or uploading a resume to complete registration.

Should you pre-check that box for claimants, and get them started in their employment services registration? 

Yes, check. In our thinking, it’s best to check such a box for claimants. More claimants will sign up for employment services – this action is required for unemployment insurance, and claimants are actively demonstrating their desire for UI by submitting an application. We have seen that, in states with more disconnected sign-up processes, claimants may fail to register, risking improper payments. Additional action might still be needed to fully register (such as completing a resume), so the state should also clearly detail the next steps, invite claimants to complete those steps immediately, and ideally send reminders via text or portal message.

Another checkbox we see in the initial application involves “communication preferences.” Some states now utilize text messages to inform claimants about important updates, new correspondence in the claimant portal, or to remind them to file. Often, claimants must “opt in” to text messages by checking a box.

Should you check that box or not?

No, do not check. There are risks in both scenarios. Text messages are likely the best way to contact claimants, but they may not be free for many claimants. Behavioral Insights would lean toward not checking the box, but we appreciate both arguments. Certainly, the decision to leave off the checkmark would mean more people might miss critical communication. Something else you could do is a “forced choice” -- a required question where claimants must select to be enrolled or not enrolled, rather than having a check box at all.

Claimants are not the only ones affected by the design of forms. Employers, too, are often presented with an option of how to receive communication about unemployment. Options vary by state, but they might include a choice of paper mail, electronic communication, or the UI SIDES platform.

So, do you check or not check that box? 

Check for automatic enrollment. There are a handful of factors to consider here:

• UI SIDES, funded by USDOL, is great for practically all employers.
• USDOL sets a minimum standard (35%) of employers enrolled in each state’s UI SIDES platform.
• Some employers do not receive electronic communications and cannot use the UI SIDES platform.

Because of the compliance issue, many states automatically enroll employers in the UI SIDES platform—it’s the default, without an option of a checkmark. This is the best way to maintain compliance with USDOL standards. Other states do continue to give employers a choice—and if that’s your state, we strongly recommend checking the UI SIDES box! Employers who cannot use electronic communications do need an alternative, but it is not inappropriate to add the extra hurdle (of calling in or unchecking a box) to ensure compliance and effective communication.