XML Revolutionizes State Unemployment Data Sharing
Published Date: 3/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor is updating how states share unemployment insurance info by requiring a new, easier-to-use computer language called XML. This change helps states process claims faster and more accurately, saving time and reducing paperwork. States and employers will need to follow this new rule by April 6, 2026, and the government supports this with funding to make the switch smooth and affordable.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
XML required for UI data exchanges
The Department of Labor requires that all electronic exchanges of unemployment insurance (UI) information use eXtensible Markup Language (XML) as the data exchange standard. This applies to exchanges for ICON and SIDES and includes exchanges between states and exchanges between states and employers, per the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.
Federal funding to support XML switch
The Department of Labor provides funding to help states develop and implement the automated XML-based systems and encourages state adoption of those systems. That federal support is intended to make the transition to the XML standard smoother and more affordable for states.
Estimated paperwork burden and costs
The information collection for this XML standard lists the affected public as State, Local and Tribal Government, with 12 estimated respondents and 12 estimated responses. The total estimated annual time burden is 1,440 hours and the total estimated annual other costs burden is $95,755.
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