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 Jan. 1. 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.

For more information on the new debit cards, or to file an unemployment compensation claim, visit www.labor.alabama.gov.

The Alabama Department of Labor / The Alabama Career Center System is a partner in Alabama Works, Alabama’s unified workforce system.