FAQs

What is the Benefits Accuracy Measurement (BAM) unit?

Benefits Accuracy Measurement (BAM) is a unit within the unemployment insurance (UI) division whose purpose is to assess the accuracy of both payments and denials issued.
What does the BAM unit review?
Our BAM unit reviews the following:
- How a Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim was initially filed
- Decisions made regarding entitlement of UI benefits
- Reported wages by the employer
What is BAM data used for?

BAM data is used when UI payment accuracy is requested from the U.S. Congress, offices of Management and Budget, U.S. General Accounting and Department of Labor Inspector General.
Why am I receiving an employer verification form? I already responded.

BAM randomly audits UI claims for accuracy. The employer verification form is secondary to the employer notice aka employer protest form. BAM requests more in-depth information regarding separation and quarterly wage breakdown for purposes of verifying the accuracy of UI payments made to the claimant or denials issued on UI claims. Separation and quarterly wages used to entitle the claim is substantiated by information provided from the employer.
Why do I need to provide wage documents?

BAM is required to verify if the claimant’s UI taxable wage was reported correctly to KDOL. Examples of exempt wages are pre-tax health insurance premiums, group term life benefits and fringe benefits. BAM requests these documents to reconcile the Quarterly Wage Report (QWR) with what was paid to the claimant. If the employer cannot provide the amounts, payroll documentation is requested. An improperly filed QWR can affect UI claim entitlement resulting in either an overpayment or underpayment to the UI claimant.
Why did I receive a work search verification form?

BAM is required to verify the claimant has actively been seeking and applying for employment. Claimants are required to provide the date, employer name and type of activity completed. If the claimant cannot provide evidence of their activity, this information is verified directly with the employer to review their application records to verify whether the activity is acceptable, unacceptable or unverified.
Why did I receive the same form three times?

BAM is required to make three attempts to obtain a completed form from claimants and employers.
My company uses the work number to complete employment verifications.

Use of the work number is not authorized by KDOL as an appropriate response to the UI Quality Control Audit. The requested information in the employer verification must be completed by the employer or Third-Party Administrator (TPA) authorized to respond to UI requests. The secretary of KDOL has the authority to request records and reports under K.S.A. 44-714 (e). The BAM internal auditor is classified as a special examiner under K.S.A 44-703 with authorization to request this information.

If no response has been received from a TPA, an employer will be contacted directly by an auditor for completion of BAM forms.
How do I contact the BAM unit?

You can email the BAM unit at KDOL.BAM@ks.gov

KDOL Audits

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Overview

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) requires employers to participate in Integrity, Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) and Tax Audits to assure compliance and maintain the integrity of the UI Trust Fund. It is important that you respond to requests for information in the timeframe indicated on any correspondence received. The purpose of these audits is to:

Detect fraudulent claims
Correct incorrect payments to claimants
Verify the number of employees, wages paid and UI taxes (contributions) paid are accurate

Integrity Audits
Benefits Accuracy Measurement (BAM)
Tax Audits

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of KDOL investigates all allegations of fraud. If it is determined UI benefits were willingly and knowingly obtained due to fraudulent circumstances, the amount is subject to repayment with interest and possible prosecution. The unit’s purpose is to detect incorrect payments of UI benefits, investigate and prosecute, if necessary.

For example, if the claimant’s weekly earnings are reported incorrectly, it could create an overpayment for the claimant. The incorrect or non-reported earnings will need to be corrected so that the employer’s charges are correct.

The unit also crossmatches hire dates submitted by employers comparing them with state and federal New Hire Databases to claimants who continue to file for UI benefits. If one of your employees was identified through the crossmatch process, you may receive an audit form.

As an employer, if you suspect fraud you can report to email address: KDOL.ReportSuspectedFraud@ks.gov

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