It's obvious that "Go online!  Go green! And save money in the bargain!"  are no longer simply clever marketing slogans.  There are too many examples now of people turning that theory into practice.  If there are any questions remaining about the viability of saving time and money by going online, they are how best to do it and how quickly will the system pay for itself?  Time is on the side of those who've taken this step, because experience and better technology can only serve to improve the efficiency of their systems.  This week Michigan is in the spotlight.

When you think about it, it's kind of obvious.  A lot of people have their salaries deposited directly to their accounts.  It's quick, it's safe, and it's easy.  So, Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency decided to do the same for the state's unemployed workers.  Enter the Michigan's Automated Response Voice Interactive Network, or MARVIN.

On June 2 the UIA began offering to deposit unemployment benefits directly to the accounts or specially issued debit cards of those who opt for either of those schemes.  The move to an electronic only system will not be immediate.  The UIA will, for now, continue to mail out checks to those who prefer that method.  Once the considerable advantages of the electronic transaction methods become apparent, the switch should prove quite painless.  Acting Director Chris Peretto of the UIA points out, "These new methods for delivering unemployment benefits will be faster and more secure and cost efficient than the current practice of mailing paper checks."

The direct deposit or debit card options also eliminate the costs associated with cashing or depositing a check.  Another benefit that the unemployed are certain not to overlook.

Ultimately, the individual savings are pennies to the state's pound.  Peretto explains the benefits MARVIN has for Michigan: "Last year, UIA issued nearly 3.4 million unemployment checks, and we project these electronic options will save the agency about $1.6 million annually in postage and paper costs."

The environmental benefits are part and parcel of these savings.  There are also other, less obvious advantages.  By cutting out the middle man, as it were, the UIA reduces the burden on other institutions as well.  These are savings that ultimately go to MARVIN's credit.

 

Sincerely,