The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) announced that it has issued waivers to approximately 7,300 state and federal COVID-19 jobless claims from At the hearing you will be able to explain why you believe you are eligible for the benefits you received and any good cause that you relied on. In May, UIA applied waivers to 55,000 claims totaling $431 million. There is no application process. He enjoys suffering through Lions games on Sundays in the fall. The state paid the individual a minimum PUA Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) based on Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) guidance that was higher than the states minimum PUA WBA, which resulted in an overpayment, The individual was eligible for payment under an unemployment benefit program, but through no fault of the individual, they were instead incorrectly paid under either the PUA or PEUC program at a higher WBA. Delinquent debts owed to other states or federal agencies. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has secured a second approval from the U.S. Department of Labor (U.S. DOL) to suspend certain collection activities for 391,769 workers who applied for federal jobless benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. "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. The approximately 55,000 claimants who received a waiver represent a total of$431 million in overpayments that they won't have to pay back. A total of $484.2 million in overpayments have been waived on 62,300 claims this year. We wont stop fighting until weve corrected past mistakes made by this agency so that not one innocent Michigander will face consequences as a result of asking for help they needed, said Michigan UIA director Julia Dale in a statement. Claimants can also call UIAs Customer Service at 1-866-500-0017. 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. Three months after the U.S. Department of Labor guidance was issued,the first group of blanket waivers went out to 55,000 claimants. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. 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. To date, more than $4.3 billion in overpayments have been waived for 400,000 Michigan unemployment recipients with likely thousands more still waiting. More than 55,000 unemployment insurance claimants who received benefits in the pandemic but were later told they were overpaid got waivers and will be refunded if they started paying back their overpayment, Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency said Wednesday. Reassigned staff and resources to address the largest categories of claims that are contributing to the agencys case backlog. Assuming Michigan UIA takes advantage of the broad blanket waiver allowances, waivers could fix many overpayment issues for Michigan residents who were incorrectly paid benefits through no fault of their own. This federal action will allow us the time we need to evaluate claims for overpayment waivers, which we will be announcing soon.. An independent report published late last year found Michigan paid $8.5 billion in fraudulent or intentional misrepresentation unemployment payments. The agency also said about $11 million will be refunded to claimants who had been paying back their federal benefits overpaymentor it will be applied to any outstanding debt a claimant may have. 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. The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. TheU.S. Department of Labor issued guidance to states in February on how to address overpayments when the claimant is not at fault. The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. If you want to appeal to the UIAC, you may want to speak with a lawyer. 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. About 327,000 fewer than expected claimants received a waiver. Hopefully, the Agency will issue guidance soon. 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The individual submitted proof of self-employment earnings to establish eligibility for Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation Program and the state incorrectly processed the information, resulting in overpayment. 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. A worker files a claim on the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency website. 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. If there is any money left in your refund after that debt is paid, you will get it. 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. If you have supporting evidence, like a doctor's note or proof of earnings, include them along with the protest. 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. We continue to monitor and advocate as the situation unfolds. All rights reserved. 2 regarding overpayments. To date, more than $4.3 billion in overpayments have been waived for 400,000 Michigan unemployment recipients with likely thousands more still waiting. He's been with WDIV since 2013. Implemented new policies for employees and contractors, including fingerprinting, criminal background checks, and an updated ethics policy. Waivers will be granted to the initial group of approximately 350,000 non-responses, many of whom may no longer be collecting benefits. In May, UIA applied waivers to 55,000 claims 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. You may get notices about your case during the collections pause. 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. (WXMI) Relief could soon be coming for Michiganders who were told they would have to pay back unemployment money. An earlier suspension expired in May. Due to the intense volume, we are not able to answer individual questions or provide individual representation on UI matters. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). When we work any claim we recognize that each one represents a worker who has fallen on hard times, and a family that needs help to put food on the table, pay bills and keep a roof over their heads, Dale said. If you disagree with the UIA and are protesting the overpayment, do not file the waiver until you have a final determination in your case. Related: Unemployment waivers bring relief to thousands. Collaborated with the Attorney Generals office to combat fraud at the agency. 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. Unemployment waivers bring relief to thousands. If you lose your appeal in front of an ALJ, read What If I Lose My Appeal? below. In some cases, the UIA might send a refund of payments you have already made. and last updated 7:40 PM, Feb 07, 2022. The agency said in an emailed news release that fewer waivers went out than expected because additional testing over the last weekrevealed that theearly numbers overlapped with waivers issued last fall by the agency. It is still unknown on how waivers will be applied and how many or which people it will impact. The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has begun to notify claimants who are no longer eligible to receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance(PUA) benefits that overpayments will be waived. State They can also contact the UIA by phone at 866-500-0017 or schedule a telephone, virtual or in-person appointment with an agent. 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. 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. Here is what we know so far: The U.S. Department of Labor has been clear since May of 2021 that states like Michigan have broad powers to waive so-called overpayments on Pandemic Unemployment Benefits created by the CARES Act. A new system will allow for quick analysis of data that is currently not possible for the agency. You may want to repay the overpayment as quickly as possible. The state did not say when they will be issued. Unfortunately, the new guidance from the DOL applies only to CARES Act funded benefits (PUA, FPUC, MEUC, PEUC). Please note that contacting us does not create any attorney-client relationship between you and our firm. 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. Monday's letter added five "blanket waiver" criteria for a total of seven that would automatically exempt overpayments related to a federal CARES Act unemployment program. Lynda Robinson, a spokesperson for the agency, said she didn't have any estimates on how many claimants may also qualify for a waiver and when they might receive one. The Michigan UIA is facing a class-action lawsuit that claims the state unlawfully demanded pandemic aid back. Some Michiganders had benefits cut short based on erroneous determinations about whether they lost work due to COVID, whether they were able and available for work, or whether they voluntarily quit their jobs for health and safety reasons. schedule an in-person, phone or online appointment. 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. Collections of overpayments made before the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 will not be suspended. Were not finished providing substantial relief to Michigan workers, said UIA Director Julia Dale. 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. 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. Roughly 350,000 waivers were distributed in July 2021 so Michiganders would not have to repay overpayments that were received by no fault of their own. Blanchard & Walker PLLC 221 North Main St., Suite 300 Ann Arbor, MI 48104, UIA CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Discrimination, PROFESSIONAL LICENSING AND DISCIPLINARY REVIEW, BW Wins Approval for $1.95M Delivery Driver Settlement. Release date: Friday, July 30, 2021. 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". Ask the UIA to issue a determination to tell you if the overpayment is the result of the UIAs error. The claimants provided the information and documentation required by the agency but were later told they were ineligible for the benefits they received. 2023 Blanchard & Walker PLLC. For example, a message to the UIA could say "I am writing to ask that the Unemployment Insurance Agency send a determination saying whether or not the overpayment is the result of agency error." 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. 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. The $250 million deposited into the Unemployment Compensation Fund nearly matches the $249 million state portion of the $8.5 billion lost by the state to fraud. This latest round of waivers adds to our robust work to reform the agency and get money back to Michiganders, while also cracking down on fraud and abuse and holding bad actors accountable at every turn., Previous: 55,000 Michiganders wont have to pay back $431 million in improperly awarded unemployment benefits. Claimants say UIA is lying, More: Attorney for jobless claimants asks judge to stop Michigan from garnishing their wages. Good cause can be very hard to prove. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. If the UIA denies your protest and appeal and still says you owe the money, you can use this waiver process to argue that even if there is an overpayment, you should not have to pay it back. Interest accumulates very quickly on unemployment overpayments. Claims determined to be fraudulent or being investigated for fraud. Additionally, roughly $11 million will be refunded to claimants who had been paying back their federal benefits overpayment, or it will be applied to any outstanding debt a claimant may have. WebThe UIA is responsible for collecting overpayments of unemployment benefits. Already, weve issued 55,000 waivers for people who needed help and did nothing wrong, but thats not good enough, Dale said. 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. 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. 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. This is a free legal aid hotline. Michigan paid $8.5B in fraudulent COVID unemployment claims. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. I want to thank the Governor for her proactive efforts to seek federal guidance on issuing waivers for overpayments to claimants who did the right thing when the applied for benefits, Dale said. Michigan can waive more unemployment bills under new federal guidance, Michigan unemployment agency unlawfully demanded money back, class-action lawsuit says, Whitmer signs bill to pour $140M into Michigan unemployment fund. The UIA waived the repayment of more than $53.2 million in benefits that were received by claimants, providing much needed relief for Michiganders. The suspension is key to UIAs continued progress in granting overpayment waivers to claimants who were asked to repay some or all of the federal benefits they received. A new system will allow for quick analysis of data that is currently not possible for the agency. This means the UIA should stop sending collection letters or doing anything else to make people pay these overpayments. The UIA waived the repayment of more than $53.2 million in benefits that were received by claimants, providing much needed relief for Michiganders. The agency said it has requestedan extension from the U.S. Department of Labor of apause oncollection activities such aswage garnishments and interceptions by theState of Michigan. A motion for preliminary injunction to suspend collections on these overpayments is currently being considered by Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Brock Swartzle. Copyright 2022 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. Related: Michigan erases $431M in pandemic unemployment overpayments. Select a county above for resources near you, Helping Michigan residents solve their legal problems, Are You Being Evicted? To find out if they can help you, apply online or call 1-888-783-8190 Monday - Thursday, 9am - 5pm, or Friday, 9am - 1pm. Convenient times and dates are available. 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. Michigan Legal HelpHelping Michigan residents solve their legal problems. In your refund after that debt is paid, you will get.... Garnishing their wages modern Browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features has. You want to speak with a lawyer for collecting overpayments of unemployment benefits and did nothing wrong, thats! Dol applies only to CARES Act funded benefits ( pua, FPUC,,! 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