The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has been named a 2025 AWS Champions Award winner for its transformative modernization of the state’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) system. By replacing a 1970s-era legacy platform with a modern, cloud-based solution, KDOL has delivered a faster, more secure, and user-friendly experience for claimants and employers alike.

This milestone reflects a commitment to building digital public services that are resilient, scalable, and centered on the needs of the people they serve. The launch of the new system, accessible via KansasUI.gov, positions Kansas as a national leader in unemployment insurance modernization.

Project Overview
The legacy UI system, originally built nearly five decades ago, struggled under the weight of modern demands. It was plagued by slow processing times, frequent outages, limited self-service capabilities, and growing security concerns.

In response, KDOL embarked on a full-scale modernization initiative. The new system was designed with a focus on usability, security, and scalability — introducing a responsive web portal, modernized backend infrastructure, and a suite of tools that simplify UI management for both claimants and employers.

Key improvements include:

• Streamlined self-service functionality that empowers users to manage claims and updates without relying on the call center 
• Robust fraud prevention and security enhancements to protect sensitive user data 
• Improved interface design that reduces confusion and errors during the application process 
• Advanced processing capabilities that reduce delays and accelerate benefit delivery 
• Employer-focused tools that provide better visibility and streamlined reporting 
• Strengthened system reliability, ensuring performance during surges in activity 

Results: Faster Service, Lower Burden, Greater Trust
The impact of the modernization has been significant across multiple dimensions:

• Reduced contact center volume due to expanded self-service options and clearer online guidance 
• Higher user satisfaction from a simplified interface and faster processing times 
• Stronger fraud detection mechanisms and secure system architecture 
• Improved data accessibility and operational transparency through robust reporting tools 
• Direct outreach to stakeholders, including over 9,000 emails to active claimants and 80,000 postcards sent to employers — ensuring broad awareness and smoother adoption of the new system 

These outcomes underscore the project’s focus on reducing friction for users while maintaining a reliable and compliant infrastructure capable of scaling with demand.

A Future-Proof Foundation for Workforce Services
With its new unemployment insurance system, the Kansas Department of Labor has laid the groundwork for long-term service transformation. The cloud-based solution not only resolves the shortcomings of the past but also creates a flexible, secure platform that can evolve with the future of work and benefits administration.