$82M In Jobless Bennies Paid In Error
According to data reported by the United States Department of Labor, the state of Idaho paid nearly $82 million in improper unemployment benefits in the last three years. Many of the erroneous payments, 34 percent, were made to recipients who returned to work but continued receiving money. Another 34 percent of payments went to citizens with “work search issues,” meaning that the department was unable “to validate that the individual has met the state’s work search requirements, which disqualifies the claimant from being eligible for benefits.” Bob Fick, spokesman for the Idaho Department of Labor, told IdahoReporter.com Tuesday that his agency has 20 people on staff constantly working to identify improper payments/Dustin Hurst, Idaho Reporter. More here.
Question: Business as usual? Or did the Department of Labor really mess up?