Plaid

McLean, Va. – September 18, 2026 -- ID.me and Plaid have launched a partnership allowing government agencies to verify a benefits claimant's identity and confirm their linked bank account belongs to them before disbursing funds, addressing a gap that contributed to $5.6 billion in unemployment insurance improper payments in fiscal year 2025.

Improper payment rate hit 14.9% for the fourth straight year

According to the Government Accountability Office, the 14.9 percent improper payment rate for unemployment insurance exceeded the federal standard for four consecutive years. Agencies have strengthened identity verification but lacked equivalent controls over where payments land, allowing claimants to pass identity checks and then enter a bank account that is not theirs.