November 9, 2015
This article was originally posted as part of the “Financial Mechanics of Funding SUTA” series.
Making the election to opt out of paying the state unemployment tax in favor of reimbursing the state for future benefits paid to former employees may complicate the budget process, upset typical cash flow, and create uncertainty about potential risks. But the best and safest options for managing the perils are very clear.
THE PROBLEM: Attaining maximum use of every dollar of revenue requires a rigorous and strategic effort from nonprofit organizations, governmental entities and tribal enterprises, EVERY YEAR! The center point for that effort is always the “Annual Budget” formation, which for many fluctuates capriciously often because of:
• Competition for services and funding dollars
• Changing state funding
• Changing federal financial support
• Regulatory compliance issues
• Changing workforce problems and necessities
Yet when those complications threaten the budget process, use of thoughtful, strategic options sustains and supports positive cash flow, sustained compliance and reliable protection.
BEST AND SAFEST PRACTICES: Employers successfully transfer risk and manage a variety of diverse liabilities (property & liability, auto, workers’ compensation, umbrella, D&O, etc.) by engaging specific insurance products. It is indisputable that an insured risk by a reliable, reputable insurance company is the safest solution for defending against unknown future liabilities. Accordingly, liability such as State Unemployment Insurance is similarly effective. Here are five of the best and safest solutions available for managing the State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) cost:
1. Bonded Service Program: Risk free, first and last-dollar coverage with claims administration
2. Unemployment Savings Program: Proprietary interest-bearing reserve with claims administration and stop-loss insurance
3. Excess Loss Insurance: “Working Excess Coverage” fits level of risk retention that works best for the employing entity
4. Surety Bonds: Required in many states for “reimbursing employers”
5. Group Program Management: Program formation, consultation, risk transfer design and administration for nonprofit entities, governmental entities and tribal enterprises
For more information about the best and safest solutions for State Unemployment Insurance, contact First Nonprofit Group.
Source: First Nonprofit Group’s “Financial Mechanics of Funding SUTA” series
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Visually Impaired Preschool Services has been a client of First Non-Profit since it was first offered as a benefit of VisionServe Alliance. We completed a thorough evaluation of cash savings to our agency before taking advantage of this wonderful benefit and it has been a very wise decision. Our experience with the processes from accounting to claims have been professional, expeditious and easy.
The Ensight Skills Center has enjoyed working with First Nonprofit for several years. We are enrolled in their Unemployment Savings Program and although we have not required a lot of intervention, there have been a few times. I know others have dealt with the same problem of unemployment fraud over the last year and in our case, a call to First Nonprofit (they actually answer their phones) cleared up the issue. They also sent us a letter to send to all our employees telling them what they needed to do to prevent this in the future and protect themselves. What a relief! Over the years if I have questions or concerns, they are happy to listen, advise and help if they can. Another BIG advantage of using First Nonprofit is that all the money that is paid into the Unemployment Savings Program lives on my balance sheet as an asset. The money continues to be Ensight’s not the governments. First Nonprofit has certainly given me peace of mind.
In addition to their money-saving purpose on behalf of nonprofit organizations like AHS, First Nonprofit’s Nonprofit Unemployment Fund streamlines the information we need to efficiently manage unemployment claims. Our relationship with NU Fund gave us access to such things as advice on planning for what’s ahead and how to analyze cost scenarios when unexpected events occurred. Both experiences were very helpful.
We have had a great experience with FNP. During Covid, when there was the chance that reimbursable nonprofits would have to pay 50% of the unemployment costs, FNP went to bat for us. We would receive weekly information on the Unemployment claim and how they were working to reduce the costs to reimbursable nonprofits. They have a great service also working with [our claims administrator] to make sure all the paperwork is completed correctly for any unemployment claim.
PORT Health Services has had a great experience with the Unemployment Savings Program offered through First Nonprofit. Throughout the years we have been involved in the program, we have increased our reserve account significantly through this program and find the reporting we receive both timely and useful. We look forward to our continued involvement with this program and our connection with First Nonprofit for many years to come.
Job One was spending a lot of money on unemployment. Our insurance broker, Mark Simcosky, recommended that we switch over to First Nonprofit. We did just that! This switch has been a huge savings for us! This switch saved us over $10,000 in the first year. Their customer service is Superior! Any time we have a question, we get a response very quickly. Any time we send them a report and they have a question; they call rather than just assuming. They were very responsive during COVID, even when they were in crisis mode their selves. They also were always there when we needed during COVID and very helpful! We would 1,000% recommend First Nonprofit to anybody that could benefit from it!
My experience with FNP has always been positive. Every time I have had to contact them, I’m always put in contact with a friendly and knowledgeable person. If something is missing from our account, they reach out to us to request it. It’s nice to work with a company that makes sure our account is current. I would recommend them to any nonprofit looking to reduce their unemployment insurance costs.
We’ve saved tens of thousands of dollars PER YEAR by changing to become a reimbursing employer, freeing funds for much needed capital investment. FNP has been a valued partner in this process, providing assurance that we have stopgap coverage for extraordinary claims and keeping claims response painless and simple. It’s a huge Win/Win!