Data Insights Award Nomination Wisconsin

Wisconsin Data Insights Award Nomination: Work Search Analytics

Contact Information of Individual Submitting Nomination

Nominator: Amy Banicki

Email Address: Amy.Banicki@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Agency Name: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Work Search Analytics

Criteria: Capacity Building
Work search required claimants must perform at least four work search actions each week. Improperly conducted work searches are a leading cause of non-fraud overpayments. Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance (UI) conducts approximately 30,000 random audits annually of claimant work search actions to educate and assist claimants in satisfying their UI requirements.

To address improper work searches, UI developed an innovative approach applying insight from data to identify claimants needing the most service and improve the effectiveness of business operations and efficiency of staffing resources. Implemented in July of 2019, insights from the analytic model shifted the auditing process from random to ranked.

The analytic process utilizes open-source technology and an innovative approach of model and data development occurring within the business area. Additional partnership with agency IT experts resulted in a robust, repeatable and supported workflow.

Provide a statement of results, accomplishments, impacts, and any other appropriate information that demonstrates why the nominee's efforts described in question #1 were an exceptional contribution. Response (400 word limit).

Wisconsin UI implemented an analytic process shifting work search audits from random to ranked. This process helps claimants most in need to conduct a proper work search and improves the effectiveness of business operations and efficiency of staff resources.

In 2017, Wisconsin conducted approximately 35,000 random audits, resulting in the detection of approximately $3 million in non-fraud overpayments. The denial rate among claims audited was 19.4%.

The pilot process identifies questionable work searches for audit in order to better target claimants who need assistance in conducting valid work search actions. In the first two months, the denial rate for claims prioritized by the model was 38.7%.

Using the higher denial rates and average overpayment amounts from the two-month pilot period and assuming a similar 2017 workload, overpayment detection amounts are projected to be $5.3 million annually. Our goal is to provide education so in time more and more claimants are conducting valid work searches, lowering the denial and overpayment rates.

Wisconsin UI is investigating options to integrate analytics into the online portal, nudging claimants towards properly conducting work searches. By focusing on pre-processed claims, Wisconsin UI will help claimants meet benefit eligibility requirements, reduce overpayments and decrease workload.