Process Mapping in the Unemployment Insurance Program

About

Process maps were a key component of the Department’s ARPA funded Tiger Team engagements and the associated process analyses. To support all states with process analysis, USDOL has produced 10 high-level, standard process maps. As UI program administration varies from state to state, these maps are generic in nature and are intended to be used as a starting point for states to identify and map their own specific processes. States are encouraged to download and modify the maps as needed.

What are process maps?

Process maps are visual representations that illustrate the sequence of steps and activities involved in a specific process, system, or workflow. They provide a clear and concise visual of a process, making it easier to understand, analyze, and optimize operations.

By using various symbols and connecting lines, process maps highlight key components such as tasks, decision points, inputs, outputs, and interactions between different stakeholders or elements. These visual aids serve as valuable tools for process improvement, problem-solving, and communication. They help teams streamline processes, identify bottlenecks, and enhance efficiency.

Image example of the process map.

The maps address the following areas:

Adjudication (PDF) (Visio)
Adjudication Document Management (PDF) (Visio)
Benefit Year Earnings (PDF) (Visio)
Fraud Overpayment Collections (PDF) (Visio)
Incarceration Crossmatch Hits (PDF) (Visio)
Integrity Data Hub (PDF) (Visio)
Investigation for Identity Fraud Hits (PDF) (Visio)
Lower Authority Appeals (PDF) (Visio)
Weekly Certification (PDF) (Visio)
Work Search Audit and Validation (PDF) (Visio)

The maps include icons to identify steps that can be automated (using tools such as Robotic Process Automation or Dynamic Fact Finding) and “Equity Checks” to help users identify equity and accessibility concerns within the process.

How to Use These Process Maps

These maps may be downloaded as PDFs or as Visio/Visio Online documents.

To edit these maps using Visio/Visio Online:

Download maps and open in Visio.
Process steps may be added, deleted, or rearranged according to the user’s specific requirements and processes.

a. New process steps may be added by copying the appropriate icon from the legend and changing the text.

b. Process steps are connected by dragging the edge of the shape towards the edge of the next shape.

c. Text boxes and additional icons may also be added to add detail and notes to the process map.

To edit these maps using Mural, Lucid Chart, Microsoft PowerPoint, Miro, etc., the maps must be recreated or copied as an image from the PDF.

Relevant Links:

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Materials

UIPL 01-24

Comments

Content Details

Topics:

UI Operations - General UI Integrity UI Adjudication UI Appeals

Target Populations:

General Audience

Programs:

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

Geographic Locations:

National Scope

Industry Sectors:

Cross-Industry

Last Updated:
Created:
Resource Publication Date: 2024
Posted by: Katie Mehle
Posted in: Short-Time Compensation