Federal unemployment code for 2020 census workers

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION
ADVISORY SYSTEM
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Washington, D.C. 20210
CLASSIFICATION
UI
CORRESPONDENCE SYMBOL
OUI/DFAS
DATE
November 19, 2015
ADVISORY: UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 3-16 TO: STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES FROM: ERIC SELEZNOW /s/ for PORTIA WU Assistant Secretary SUBJECT: Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees Process for the 2020 Decennial Census RESCISSIONS: None EXPIRATION DATE: December 31, 2022

1. Purpose. To provide a new Federal Identification Code (FIC) for the U.S. Bureau of the
   Census (Census Bureau) and inform state workforce agencies (SWAs) of the large influx of claimants expected as a result of the 2020 decennial census.

2. Background. The Census Bureau is mandated to count the population of the United States
   every ten years. The next decennial census will be conducted in 2020. To assist in the effort, the Census Bureau hires temporary workers around the nation. Beginning in 2016 and running through 2022, the Census Bureau will hire and release temporary employees for work on the 2020 census. In 2016, Houston, Texas and Los Angeles, California will host census tests. The sites for tests in 2017 and 2018 have not yet been determined. The total number of employees hired for these tests is approximated at 10,000. In 2019, between 200 - 300 temporary census offices will open around the country in preparation for decennial operations. During the 2020 census itself, nationwide hiring is expected to peak at 400,000, with employment in individual states expected to range from 1,000 to 50,000 employees. Many of these temporary employees are expected to be separated from employment during the months of May, June, and July, 2020. Temporary services performed for the Census Bureau in connection with the decennial census constitute Federal service for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) purposes. The majority of these temporary employees are expected to be released for “lack of work” after their work is completed, and many of these individuals will file UCFE claims. For unemployment insurance program purposes, these temporary employees should be designated as working under a unique FIC.

3. New Federal Identification Code Number. The Department of Labor (Department),
   Employment and Training Administration, Office of Unemployment Insurance has assigned FIC 914 for the Bureau’s temporary workers for the 2020 decennial census, effective November 1, 2015. The Department deactivated FIC 913, which was the FIC for temporary

workers for the 2010 census, so this FIC should no longer be used for any reporting purposes. SWAs should continue to charge UCFE benefits for permanent employees at the Census Bureau to FIC 450. Request for Separation and Wage Information should be sent to: Bureau of Census - 2020 decennial census C/O Equifax Workforce Solutions P.O. Box 66945 St. Louis, MO 63166 Attn: Jennifer Penny/Phone (800) 366-6660 Ext. 2598 Quarterly detailed listing for benefit charges should be sent to: Bureau of Census - 2020 decennial census C/O Equifax Workforce Solutions P.O. Box 66945 St. Louis, MO 63166 Attn: Opie Brooks/Phone (800) 366-6660 Ext. 2147

4. Action Requested. State Administrators are requested to:

a. Provide the information in this UIPL to the appropriate staff; and

b. Ensure that UCFE benefits paid to temporary 2020 census workers are properly charged to FIC 914.

5. Inquiries. Please direct questions to the appropriate Regional Office.