WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule to further protect the confidentiality of state unemployment compensation information.

“Maintaining the confidentiality of personal information is essential to ensuring that state unemployment systems meet workers’ needs,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “This rule formalizes longstanding policies regarding the handling of confidential unemployment compensation information and further secures the integrity of these vital state systems.”

States currently collect certain information about individuals and businesses including names, Social Security Numbers, wages and taxes paid for the purpose of unemployment compensation administration. The final rule contains a basic requirement that information about specific individuals or employers, collected in the course of administering the unemployment compensation program, is confidential.

Under the rule, states must make a limited number of disclosures required by statute, including cross-checking eligibility for certain government programs. In addition, state will retain final decision-making authority on requests for data in certain situations where the rule permits disclosure. The rule also prescribes detailed safeguards to assure the security of disclosed information.

The rule being announced today aims to both strengthen the integrity of state unemployment compensation systems and respond to state inquiries seeking guidance on federal requirements and procedures regarding confidentiality.

To access the final rule, visit www.dol.gov/eta/regs/fedreg/final/2006008185.htm.

For information on unemployment insurance, visit www.dol.gov/dol/topic/unemployment-insurance/index.htm. For more information on the Department of Labor’s employment and training programs, visit www.doleta.gov.