Page 12 - The Edge - Summer 2020

Unemployment Insurance Advice

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might include: affected by the current circumstances than most. If you work in
HR, you’ve likely seen the toll in the form of rising unemployment
• Medical releases
• Copies of school policies/procedures claims.
• Copies of grievances It’s important to be compassionate toward those who have lost
• Email/text messages their jobs, whether temporarily or permanently, as a result of the
• Videos/pictures COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, the best thing you can do is be
• Phone logs. aware of deadlines and due dates for unemployment claims, and be
• Police reports responsive to requests from DES.
• Performance evaluations
• Letters of reasonable assurance Keep in mind, though, the unemployment insurance system serves
• Disciplinary warnings (final incident) both employees and employers. You have rights in this process,
• Resignation letters too. Again, the best ways to make sure your interests are protected
• Termination letters are to stay on top of the process and make sure you’re maintaining
good documentation.
It would be a bit strong to say “if it’s not in writing, it didn’t
happen” — but not by much. So, encourage supervisors to If you’ve got questions about unemployment insurance or need
document and retain anything that might ultimately be relevant to additional tips or advice, don’t hesitate to contact The Trust. Times
an unemployment insurance claim. A good rule of thumb is that if may be tougher than usual, but we’re always here for you.
it’s important enough to talk to an employee about, it’s important
enough to write down.
Keith Oarde is Unemployment Insurance Program Manager for
If you work at a school, you know you’ve been more significantly The Trust.

Having trouble understanding

your state retirement benefits?

You’re not alone!

Horace Mann representatives have extensive knowledge of the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
This expertise helps provide you and your staff with a "big picture" view of how state retirement benefits and
supplemental retirement plans can work together.
Many experts say about 80% of your pre-retirement income is needed to maintain your standard of living
when you stop working. While most educators receive a pension, it may not completely replace their
pre-retirement income. Your local Horace Mann representative may be able to help you and your employees
fill any financial gaps.
Contact your local Horace Mann representative to request no-cost workshop in your school.
Or visit http:// www.horacemann.com/teacher-lounge/workshops

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12 THE EDGE SUMMER 2020