 |
|
|
Home / |
|
|
Information on UI Fraud and Abuse |
|
 |
|
|
What is Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud and Abuse?
Did you know…
Individuals who knowingly collect unemployment insurance (UI) benefits based on false or inaccurate information provided by them when filing their claim or while receiving benefits, are committing fraud. UI benefits fraud and abuse is punishable by law and violators could face a number of serious penalties and consequences.
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has a variety of methods to track new hire reports and whether UI benefits are being paid properly and accurately. Employers are required to report new hires to state and national agencies. Employers are also contacted to confirm reasons for separation. After the end of each calendar quarter and when requested, all Georgia employers report the names, social security numbers and earnings of their employees to GDOL, as required by law. Our computer system uses this wage information to find out if anyone worked while claiming benefits. Our computer system also checks wages earned in other states to ensure individuals reported their earnings correctly.
Types of Fraud and Abuse
- An individual receiving UI benefits but not reporting they are working and being paid cash “under the table”.
- An individual receiving UI benefits and not reporting their earnings.
- An individual receiving UI benefits at the same time they are incarcerated.
- An individual receiving UI benefits but not able or available to seek or accept work due to illness, injury, out of town, on vacation, etc.
- An individual receiving UI benefits but not looking for work or falsifying their work search efforts.
- An individual holding back information or giving false information to GDOL.
- An individual filing a fraudulent UI claim and/or receiving UI benefits using another person’s identity (e.g., name, social security number).
- An individual receiving UI benefits refuses an offer of employment or fails to report to work after accepting an offer of employment and does not report it.
- An individual who is receiving UI benefits but fails a Pre-Employment Drug Screening test and does not to report it.
Individuals who commit UI fraud could face a variety of serious penalties including:
- Repaying the UI benefits collected, plus penalties and fines
- Prosecution by GDOL
- Possible jail or prison sentences
- Forfeiting future income tax refunds
- Losing the eligibility to receive UI benefits in the future
Online Report of UI Fraud & Abuse
Updated June 18, 2014.
|
|
|
|
|
|
