New debit cards will be mailed out to all unemployment compensation recipients in

January 2017, due to the Department changing service providers. All recipients currently using a debit card will receive a new one. Recipients who are receiving benefits via direct deposit to a personal bank account will not be affected by this change.

Recipients are strongly encouraged to ensure that the Department of Labor has a valid, current address on file and any updates are made prior to January 1st. Changes can be made by calling 1-800-361-4524 or by visiting https://labor.alabama.gov/uc/ICCS/default.aspx and selecting “change personal information.”

Many of the features that are available on the current debit cards will be available on the new cards, including: unlimited and free U.S. card purchases, unlimited and free online card purchases, no charge for ATM machines at KeyBank and Allpoint ATMs (visit www.allpointnetwork.com/locator.aspx for a listing of ATMs) and free over-the-counter withdrawals at any participating MasterCard member bank branches. The new card includes some additional features such as: free fund transfers, free online bill payment, free account alerts via text or email, and unlimited and free automated and live agent customer service balance inquiry.