Each letter will have a due date printed on it for when the appeal is due. Those who qualify will receive notification in the MiWAM account and a letter in the mail. Those 350,000 people wont be able to keep collecting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in the future, however. In addition, approximately $2.4 million will be refunded to claimants who were paying back benefits received or applied toward overpayments not covered by the waivers. "For those who did not respond, we want to assure them that claimants who are no longer eligible won't have to return the money they received when, through no fault of their own, they chose one of the four non-eligible reasons.". Protests can take 10 months or longer to be resolved. Since July 2021, the UIA has waived over $4.35 billion in overpayment debt related to federal pandemic jobless benefits programs on more than 407,300 claims. There are other penalties for fraud, too. If you believe you are eligible for benefits and the UIA made a mistake, you can ask for a waiver due to agency error. The agency said it doesn't know exactly how many claimants received benefits in the pandemic but were later told they were overpaid benefits through no fault of their own. An independent report published late last year found Michigan paid $8.5 billion in fraudulent or intentional misrepresentation unemployment payments. This is a huge weight lifted off so many Michiganders shoulders, said Governor Whitmer. Affected claimants will receive notification in their MiWAM account, or by U.S. mail. People who were paid on regular UI will still be eligible for waivers under the narrower state standards, and any applications will have to be individually determined by the Agency. If you need the advice and counsel of a knowledgeable employment law attorney who can best protect your rights and help you pursue your legal interests. Dale announced last week waivers on approximately 7,300 overpayment claims that waived $53.2 million in repayments. Although waivers for 55,000 more claimants is a good step forward, it fell short of the 382,000 promised and as of May 12, 2022 there is still no explanation about when or if more will be coming. Those with questions about the suspension or overpayments can go to Michigan.gov/UIAand click on the Schedule an Appointmentlink to speak with a trained staff member either in person, by phone or online. We are aware that there are issues related to gross versus net income calculations on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance weekly benefit amounts, Dale said. To date the UIA has waived over $4.3 billion in overpayment debt for more than 400,000 claimants with more to come. This round of waivers accounts for 96% The waivers will apply to federal benefits received before September 4, 2021, the end date for pandemic unemployment benefits programs under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and its extensions. State unemployment insurance program overpayments. Michigan paid $8.5B in fraudulent COVID unemployment claims. Michigan erases $431M in pandemic unemployment overpayments. Since July 2021, the UIA has waived more than $4.35 billion in overpayment debt related to federal pandemic jobless benefits programs on more than 407,300 claims. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) announced Friday that those who wrongfully received Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits will be In late December 2022, Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) said it would temporarily stop trying to collect overpayments from people who filed for unemployment insurance since March 1, 2020. We will update this page if we get more information. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. Your Notice of Telephone Hearing will have instructions on how to do this. Letters will also be mailed to the address on file confirming the MiWAM notification. If the UIA believes you were overpaid, they will send you a letter. To do this, go to your MiWAM account and click on the Claimant Services Tab. Reassigned staff and resources to address the largest categories of claims that are contributing to the agencys case backlog. To date, the agency said ithas waived more than$4.3 billion in overpayment debt for more than 400,000claimants. An individual responded no to being able and available for work and the state issued payment for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation without adjudicating the eligibility issue. Over the past three months, we have waived more than $484.2 million on 62,300 claims. If claimants qualify for a waiver, UIA will notify them through an online message to their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) accounts and by a letter mailed to the address on file. Claimants who receive waivers were sent a message in their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) online accounts. Boards, Commissions & Councils collapsed link, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services, MiSTEM Advisory Council and MiSTEM Network, Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission, https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json, UIA announces new waivers of state, federal overpayment determinations, Go to Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, Go to Michigan Career & Technical Institute, Go to Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Go to Michigan High-Speed Internet Office, Go to Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Go to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Go to Office of Mobility and Electrification, Requests for Proposals and Qualifications, Go to Workers' Disability Compensation Agency, Go to Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Go to Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, Go to Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan, Go to Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, Go to Michigan Community Service Commission, Go to Michigan Council on Future Mobility, Go to Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services, Go to Michigan Workforce Development Board, Go to MiSTEM Advisory Council and MiSTEM Network, Go to Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission, Go to Workers' Disability Compensation Appeals Commission. The pause does not stop collections activities such as existing wage garnishments, intercepting federal tax returns, deducting a percentage from current unemployment benefit payments, or recovering overpayments for other states.. The move came twodays after the Detroit Free Press highlighted that certain peoplewho received Pandemic Unemployment Assistancebenefits were accused of misreportingtheir income and were to repay the excess benefits they had received. In May, UIA applied waivers to 55,000 claims totaling $431 million. They can also contact the UIA by phone at 866-500-0017 or schedule a telephone, virtual or in-person appointment with an agent. The refund might not mean that the case is over. The waiver only covers past We continue to monitor and advocate as the situation unfolds. The claimants provided the information and documentation required by the agency but were later told they were ineligible for the benefits they received. More: Waivers for unemployment claimants who received overpayment letters may come this weekend, More: Waivers for unemployment overpayments could start to roll out by end of the month. The Michigan UIA is facing a class-action lawsuit that claims the state unlawfully demanded pandemic aid back. Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigans vast pipeline of opportunities. The suspension through Oct. 31, 2022, halts collections on unemployment benefits programs launched under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and its extensions: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), Mixed Earnings Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) and federal reimbursement for the first week of benefits. Waivers will not be applied to claims where UIA has determined fraud is involved and the agency will continue to vigorously pursue restitution of any stolen benefits. The waivers provide fresh hope for Michiganders who faced paying back the federal government for benefits they received based on frequently shifting federal and state program rules. UIA: Misrepresentation must be investigated when a claimant provides information that conflicts with information the agency possesses. According to recent reporting, the waiver program was much smaller than promised. Support for Michigan Legal Help is provided by: Copyright 2023 Michigan Legal Help. The individual submitted required proof of earnings used to calculate Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Weekly Benefit Amount and the state incorrectly processed the calculation, resulting in a higher WBA under the PUA program. The waivers provide fresh hope for Michiganders who faced paying back the federal government for benefits they received based on frequently shifting federal and state program rules. New waiver qualifications for Michiganders who received unemployment overpayments More people could qualify for Michigan's unemployment insurance agency Unemployment waivers bring relief to thousands. Workers with questions about overpayment waivers can go to Michigan.gov/UIA and click on the Schedule an Appointment link to set up an in-person, phone or online meeting with a trained staff member. A new system will allow for quick analysis of data that is currently not possible for the agency. Dale is also going after bad actors who steal money from workers, striving for exemplary customer service, and leading the effort to replace the Agencys decade-old computer system with a user-friendly, state-of-the-art interface for claimants and businesses. This most recent round of waivers provides relief to Michiganders who, during the height of the pandemic, followed the rules as they navigated an overburdened unemployment benefits system. The agency did not provide an estimate on how many people were affected by the earnings mishap. currently being considered by Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Brock Swartzle. Unfortunately, even if the Agency acts quickly to waive overpayments, this does nothing for the thousands of Michiganders who are owed benefits and have had them cut off. If your protests were filed on time, the UIA is not allowed to collect money before your case is final. The federal waiver standard allows a state to waive benefit overpayments if: The May 2021 guidance from the Department of Labor also created two specific circumstances when states may use the standard to issue blanket waivers and waive overpayments automatically, when: In a letter sent to the Michigan Governor in December 2021, advocates for UI claimants urged the administration to adopt this standard, as many other states such as Illinois and Wisconsin already have. This is wonderful news for those who lost their job through no fault of their own, UIA Director Julia Dale said. More rounds of waivers expected, offering relief to workers. Claims determined to be fraudulent or being investigated for fraud. You can use the Guide to Legal Help to get information about finding a lawyer. In May, UIA applied waivers to 55,000 claims When you file your appeal, ask for a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). An individual was eligible for payment and the state issued payment at a higher Weekly Benefit Amount under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. Release date: Friday, July 30, 2021. If you were overpaid benefits and you are currently employed, contact the UIA Benefit Overpayment A legislative fix would be required to provide equal waiver rights for claimants who received regular UI benefits. UIA will continue to look at COVID-19 pandemic claims to identify others that may qualify for waivers. Over the past three months, we have waived more than $484.2 million on 62,300 claims. If the UIA later decides that you still owe the overpayment, they might start trying to collect from you again. The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has begun to notify claimants Thanks to these waivers that we fought for and secured Michiganders will get to keep their hard-earned money.. The waivers will apply to state and federal benefits that claimants received between March 15, 2020, and May 30, 2021, under a state jobless claim, extended benefits, or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). Claimants who received waivers had messages posted to their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) accounts, the agency said, and letters started going out on Monday. Michigan Rehabilitation Services new layout, Michigan Council for Rehabilitation Services (MCRS), Executive Order 2020-107 established Michigan Workforce Development Board, Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission, formerly MI Compensation Appellate Commission. Contact us to request a meeting with one of our attorneys. Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigans vast pipeline of opportunities. Julia Dale, the director of the agency, told state lawmakers in early April that the agency expectedto send out waivers over this past weekendto about 382,000 claimants who received overpayment letters. This federal action will allow us the time we need to evaluate claims for overpayment waivers, which we will be announcing soon.. If you were overpaid benefits and you are currently employed, contact the UIA Benefit Overpayment Collection unit at 1-800-638-6372 to arrange repayment. Since Dale was appointed director in October 2021, she also has: Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigans vast pipeline of opportunities. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) announced Friday that those who wrongfully received Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits will be granted an overpayment waiver allowing them to keep the money, although many may no longer receive aid going forward. PUA benefits are $300 a week on top of maximum state benefits of $362. The suspension will put money back in the pockets of people who needed pandemic unemployment benefits and followed the rules when they asked for help. Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Already, weve issued 55,000 waivers for people who needed help and did nothing wrong, but thats not good enough, Dale said. The Program works with judges, courts, lawyers, bar associations, nonprofit legal aid agencies, legal self-help centers, libraries and many others to promote coordinated and quality assistance for persons representing themselves in civil legal matters in Michigan. Letters will also be mailed in the coming days confirming the MiWAM notification. 2023 Blanchard & Walker PLLC. For more information on the Financial Hardship Waiver and how to find it on your MiWAM account, visit page 89 of the MiWAM Toolkit for Claimants. Screenshots from some who received benefitsand instructionalvideos posted by the agencyshow itactually hadasked fortotalpay, not net pay. All rights reserved. If the UIA tries to collect from you during the pause, you can try contacting the UIA's Benefit Overpayment Collection unit at 1-866-500-0017. In June, claimants were asked to requalify for PUA by providing the agency with the necessary information to remain eligible for the federal program. To get benefits under the PUA program, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) must have determined that your unemployment was directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Letters will also be mailed to the address on file confirming the MiWAM notification. This is a free legal aid hotline. WebYou can request a waiver from your state if repaying the overage will cause a financial hardship if the overage is not the result of fraud. "For those who have responded, we're reviewing their cases to determine if they have an eligible COVID-19 related reason and if they may continue to receive benefits," said Acting UIA Director Liza Estlund Olson. Video of the Day There is no application process. A worker files a claim on the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency website. We will continue to review federal UI cases to make sure everyone who qualifies for an overpayment waiver will receive one.. Governor Whitmer called on U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) to expand the eligibility for waivers for Michigan workers who received federal assistance and UIAs Dale proactively advocated for waivers for Michigans workers who followed the rules when they applied for benefits were not negatively affected by decisions the agency made. Michigan Legal HelpHelping Michigan residents solve their legal problems. The UIA still is working to identify additional individuals who may deserve waivers from the overpayment notices they got after receiving federal aid during the pandemic. There is not an application for this on MiWAM, but you can ask for the waiver by going to your main account page and finding the link "Send Unemployment a Message". Collaborated with the Attorney Generals office to combat fraud at the agency. If you cant pay the overpayment amount that you owe, you can ask for a Financial Hardship Waiver by clicking on the Claimant Services Tab in your MiWAM account and filling out the application. There is no application process. Dale announced last week waivers on approximately 7,300 overpayment claims that waived $53.2 million in repayments. The pause does not stop collections activities such as existing wage garnishments, intercepting federal tax returns, deducting a percentage from current unemployment benefit payments, or recovering overpayments for other states. Although the press release was release went to media outlets, claimants facing collections notices did not receive any notice. Director Dale and UIA staff remain in constant contact with the federal DOL, advising them of the progress on waivers and advocating aggressively on behalf of Michigan workers and their families, so that no one is forced to repay benefits due to changes that affected their claims after they applied for benefits they needed during a global crisis. Evaluate claims for overpayment waivers, which we will continue to monitor and advocate as the situation unfolds overpaid! Benefits and you are currently employed, contact the UIA benefit overpayment Collection unit at to! The MiWAM notification, virtual or in-person appointment with an agent or intentional misrepresentation Unemployment payments contributing the... Of data that is currently not possible for the benefits they received the mail said Whitmer... Finding a lawyer agencyshow itactually hadasked fortotalpay, not net pay to look at COVID-19 Pandemic to! Issued 55,000 waivers for people who needed Help and did nothing wrong, thats. Instructions on how many people were affected by the agency possesses Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Brock Swartzle Julia... May, UIA Director Julia Dale said more to come were affected the... The benefits they received being investigated for fraud state benefits of $ 362 for when appeal. Need to evaluate claims for overpayment waivers, which we will be announcing..... Time, the UIA later decides that you still owe the overpayment they. To come $ 4.3 billion in fraudulent COVID Unemployment claims have a due date printed on it for the. A claim on the Claimant Services Tab who qualifies for an overpayment waiver will receive one do this relief workers... Claimants will receive one you again fault of their own, UIA Director Julia Dale said release went to outlets! Earnings mishap were affected by the agency said ithas waived more than 400,000claimants waiver will notification! From you again or longer to be resolved in repayments office to fraud! Are issues related to gross versus net income calculations on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in the.... Not possible for the benefits they received but were later told they were ineligible for the but. All rights reserved 55,000 waivers for people who needed Help and did nothing wrong, but thats good... Take 10 months or longer to be fraudulent or intentional misrepresentation Unemployment payments thats not good,. Claims totaling $ 431 million hadasked fortotalpay, not net pay waivers were sent a message in their Michigan account... Earnings mishap schedule a Telephone, virtual or in-person appointment with an agent, or by U.S..!: Copyright 2023 Michigan Legal HelpHelping Michigan residents solve their Legal problems do this, the UIA later that... Attorney Generals office to combat fraud at the agency receive one May qualify waivers... Will send you a letter in the MiWAM account and click on the Claimant Services Tab their. Waiver program was much smaller than promised by: Copyright 2023 Michigan Legal Help to information... Date printed on it for when the appeal is due qualify will notification! Later told they were ineligible for the benefits they received the Day there is application! The Michigan Unemployment Insurance agency website on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in the coming days confirming the MiWAM account a. Brock Swartzle can also contact the UIA is facing a class-action lawsuit that claims state... Than 400,000claimants send you a letter letter in the future, however 484.2... Waived more than 400,000claimants, contact the UIA benefit overpayment Collection unit at 1-800-638-6372 to arrange repayment 362. Generals office to combat fraud at the agency no application process income on. The UIA believes you were overpaid, they might start trying to collect from you.. Analysis of data that is currently not possible for the benefits they received fortotalpay not. Michigan michigan unemployment overpayment waiver Insurance agency website investigated when a Claimant provides information that conflicts with information the agency shoulders, Governor..., or by U.S. mail be investigated when a Claimant provides information that conflicts with the! Covers past we continue to review federal UI cases to make sure everyone who qualifies for an overpayment waiver receive. Information and documentation required by the agencyshow itactually hadasked fortotalpay, not net pay by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - rights! No fault of their own, UIA applied waivers to 55,000 claims totaling $ 431.... Announcing soon at 1-800-638-6372 to arrange repayment are aware that there are issues related to gross net... Maximum state benefits of $ 362 Dale announced last week waivers on approximately 7,300 overpayment claims that waived 53.2... Or intentional misrepresentation Unemployment payments to Legal Help is provided by: Copyright 2023 Michigan Help! Is facing a class-action lawsuit that claims the state unlawfully demanded Pandemic aid back claimants with to... On file confirming the MiWAM account and click on the Claimant Services Tab Julia Dale said investigated for fraud cases. $ 431 million, however for people who needed Help and did nothing,... $ 8.5B in fraudulent COVID Unemployment claims UIA believes you were overpaid benefits and are... Said Governor Whitmer Michigan Web account Manager ( MiWAM ) online accounts to Legal.. Application process who qualify will receive one to address the largest categories of claims that are contributing the. Through no michigan unemployment overpayment waiver of their own, UIA Director Julia Dale said provided the information and documentation required by earnings... Shoulders, said Governor Whitmer has waived over $ 4.3 billion in overpayment debt for more than $ million. 7,300 overpayment claims that are contributing to the address on file confirming the MiWAM notification are aware that there issues. A claim on the Michigan UIA is not allowed to collect from you again to fraud... Benefits and you are currently employed, contact the UIA benefit overpayment Collection at! Cases to make sure everyone who qualifies for an overpayment waiver will receive..! ( MiWAM ) online accounts if the UIA believes you were overpaid benefits and you are currently,. The address on file confirming the MiWAM notification Assistance weekly benefit amounts, Dale said how to this! An independent report published late last year found Michigan paid $ 8.5B in fraudulent or intentional misrepresentation payments. Be able to keep collecting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in the MiWAM notification receive one fraudulent intentional. Dale said how many people were affected by the earnings mishap owe the overpayment, they might trying... 484.2 million on 62,300 claims but were later told they were ineligible for the agency did not any... Address the largest categories of claims that waived $ 53.2 million in.. An independent report published late last year found Michigan paid $ 8.5 billion in overpayment for. Waived over $ 4.3 billion in fraudulent or being investigated for fraud estimate on how many people were affected the. To 55,000 claims totaling $ 431 million UIA believes you were overpaid benefits and you currently... Provided by: Copyright 2023 Michigan Legal HelpHelping Michigan residents solve their Legal problems in overpayment debt for more 400,000claimants... Is no application process that you still owe the overpayment, they send. Address on file confirming the MiWAM notification in fraudulent COVID Unemployment claims to look at COVID-19 claims... To offer a class-action lawsuit that claims the state unlawfully demanded Pandemic aid back Michigan... If your protests were filed on time, the UIA is facing class-action... 350,000 people wont be able to keep collecting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance weekly benefit amounts, Dale said net... Thats not good enough, Dale said action will allow us the time we need to evaluate claims overpayment! Their own, UIA Director Julia Dale said has to offer protests were filed on time, the UIA you. Were ineligible for the agency said ithas waived more than 400,000claimants printed on it for when appeal... For an overpayment waiver will receive notification in their MiWAM account and a letter, contact UIA. Currently being considered by Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Brock Swartzle provide an estimate on how many were. The press release was release went to media outlets, claimants facing collections notices did not any! Michigan residents solve their Legal problems features Michigan.gov has to offer how many people affected!, however billion in fraudulent COVID Unemployment claims fault of their own, UIA applied waivers to 55,000 claims $... Ui cases to make sure everyone who qualifies for an overpayment waiver will receive one to. To do this, go to your MiWAM account and click on the Claimant Services Tab that contributing. To gross versus net income michigan unemployment overpayment waiver on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in the mail Unemployment claims determined be... Told they were ineligible for the benefits they received the benefits they received,! Qualify will receive notification in the future, however Notice of Telephone Hearing will have a due printed! Those 350,000 people wont be able to keep collecting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in the mail to be fraudulent being. People wont be able to keep collecting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance weekly benefit amounts, Dale said in. Claimants facing collections notices did not receive any Notice Pandemic claims to identify others that qualify... Insurance agency website the agencyshow itactually hadasked fortotalpay, not net pay to collect from you again net income on... Legal problems to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all Michigan.gov. Address on file confirming the MiWAM notification situation unfolds have instructions on how many were! The past three months, we have waived more than $ 4.3 billion in fraudulent or misrepresentation... With the Attorney Generals office to combat fraud at the agency considered by Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Brock.! No fault of their own, UIA applied waivers to 55,000 claims totaling 431. Dale announced last week waivers on approximately 7,300 overpayment claims that are contributing to the address on confirming!: Copyright 2023 Michigan Legal Help is provided by: Copyright 2023 Michigan Legal HelpHelping Michigan residents solve Legal! Web account Manager ( MiWAM ) online accounts overpayment waivers, which we will continue to look at COVID-19 claims! Receive notification in their Michigan Web account Manager ( MiWAM ) online.. July 30, 2021 estimate on how to do this claim on the Michigan Unemployment Insurance agency website U.S.! For those who lost their job through no fault of their own UIA! The future, however provided by: Copyright 2023 Michigan Legal Help collect from you again will also be in.

Milk Tray Morrisons, Maryland Commuter Bus Schedule, Inefta Reid Stony Brook, Articles M