Ok so this past year I lost my job and was receiving unemployment benefits in New York State.
I ended my term of for the year and due to Federal help I would be able to claim again. When I called, the person asked if I was working. I told her no. She asked why she saw income reported from a company I worked for part time this year. I didn't know what to say and I froze up and stated it was a mistake. I don't intent to claim further now that I found this out.... but what do I do with this past year.
Fact is I didn't realize that I had to report if I was working part time 1 to 2 days. On average I only worked once a week and made no more then 60-80 dollars for that week.
I didn't realize that I had to claim that and now I feel like I am going to be in deep trouble. I'm not sure If I should contact the labor dept and tell them what happened. Maybe a Lawyer? I can't afford an attorney and I know If I directly report myself to the labor department its like giving in a guilty plea.
I have no problem paying back what they feel I was over paid. I just don't want to get arrested. If anyone has gone through this or knows someone who has I would appreciate the help.
Thank you.
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The Department of Labor will eventually reconcile the error and seek compensation if you were overpaid. It is probably best if you bring this to their attention, rather than waiting for them to bring it to yours. Computer systems eventually uncover all such issues.
Unemployment regulations can be confusing and you are not alone in this type of issue. Many people do part-time or a few days of full-time temp work while hunting for a real job. It can get messy when trying to calculate your unemployment benefits payment.
You do not need to get an attorney because you will not be charged with any crime. At worst, you will need to pay some money back or have your future unemployment benefits garnished to repay any error.
Perhaps you need to go back and figure out what you received. You need to report that as it will reduce slightly the amount if the income was not much. It shouldn't be a really big deal. You may have to pay some back. I'd just tell them that it was just a day or two a week and didn't make much. Show what it was. But income is income and fraud is serious. If you admit to making a mistake and strighten it out, it is likely to be less serious than continuing to lie about it. Evidently they can get the figures and they know where you worked.
"I didn't realize that I had to report if I was working part time 1 to 2 days".
You have to report every penny to Sam unfortunately. It's just the way it is. Like the rep. said, they consider it an overpayment. Like the first person said, you'd be smart to just go ahead and pay the overpayment so you won't have to keep looking over your shoulder for Sam.
Um, let me explain this to you:
UNemployment benefits are for the UNemployed.
You were EMployed, meaning you shouldn't be getting UNemployment benefits.
fess up pay the fine penalty,you may go to the clinker for awhile