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If the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program is not reauthorized by Congress by January 1, 2026, the Oklahoma State Workforce Agency will continue to accept WOTC applications submitted in accordance with federal timelines. Applications received during a lapse in authorization will be retained in our system; however, eligibility determinations and certifications cannot be issued until the program is reauthorized. Employers should continue to complete required WOTC forms at the time of hire and submit applications within 28 days of the employee’s start date.

Additional updates will be posted as federal guidance becomes available.

View WOTC Hiatus FAQs.

OESC Launches Enhanced Claimant Portal: Faster, Easier, and Safer Than Ever for Oklahomans

Wednesday, July 09, 2025

Oklahoma City, OK –  The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) is proud to announce the launch of a brand new and improved Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimant portal—designed to deliver a more secure, more intuitive, and mobile‑friendly experience for all Oklahomans.

With seamless capability across desktops, tablets, and smartphones, the new portal uses innovative identity‑proofing measures and robust fraud‑detection tools to set a new standard for customer convenience, efficiency, and trust in benefits access.

“This is a UI system built for the people of Oklahoma,” said Chris O’Brien, Vice President of Unemployment Insurance Administration. “Our goal was to strip away complexity and deliver something that’s intuitive—so that whether you’re checking your claim, uploading documents, or filing weekly certifications, you can do it with ease.”

With simplified language and processing around routine tasks, submitting claims and certifications takes only a fraction of the time compared to the legacy system. OESC anticipates the portal will significantly lower processing times and increase staff capacity, especially during periods of elevated UI claims.

“From first interaction to final submission, this portal is designed to stay one step ahead—not just in ease of use, but in ensuring benefits go to the right people,” said Mark Davis, Chief Innovation Officer. “We’ve built in smart fraud-detection tools that work behind the scenes to catch suspicious activity early, protecting both claimants and taxpayer dollars.”

“Trust is essential to doing this job well,” said Trae Rahill, CEO of OESC. “The new portal helps us safeguard the tax dollars paid by businesses, enabling us to collect less taxes and thus help all businesses. When we can trust the data and process, we can ensure the legitimacy of claims and move funds without delay. It’s a win‑win for Oklahomans.”

The claimant portal is now live and fully accessible to all Oklahoma claimants. Users are encouraged to log in using their existing credentials. For new claimants, the registration process is fast and secure—powered by the updated identity‑proofing functionality.

For additional information or to access the portal, visit https://oklahoma.gov/oesc/individuals/unemployment.html.

Last Modified on Jul 14, 2025
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