Multi-state unemployment fraud scheme, including Michigan, lands man in prison for 51 months
Adrian Fluellen, 29, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced for his role in a multi-state, million-dollar unemployment insurance fraud scheme aimed at defrauding the U.S. government and the states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Maryland of funds earmarked for unemployment assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michigan unemployment rate drops to near pre-pandemic levels
Michiganโs unemployment rate dropped by three-tenths of a percent to 3.8% last month, according to the Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment in Michigan rose by 30,000, unemployment decreased by 14,000, and Michiganโs labor force increased by 18,000 over the month.
Woman helps others file 35 fraudulent claims to steal Michigan COVID unemployment money, feds say
A Detroit woman took a job as a Michigan unemployment insurance examiner and helped a group of others file more than 35 fraudulent claims and steal thousands in COVID unemployment benefits, official said.
3 letter carriers charged for taking bribes from Farmington Hills man to help him steal credit cards
Three letter carriers have been charged for accepting bribes from a Farmington Hills man to help him steal credit cards from other people and intercept fraudulent COVID unemployment benefits he sent to homes along their routes, officials said.
Farmington Hills man bribes letter carriers to get credit cards, steals COVID unemployment benefits
A 28-year-old Farmington Hills man bribed letter carriers to obtain other peopleโs credit cards and later expanded his scheme to have those carriers intercept fraudulent COVID unemployment benefits he had filed for and sent to homes along their routes, officials said.
Detroit men, Warren woman help prison inmate submit 240 fake COVID unemployment claims
Two Detroit men and a Warren woman helped a former Michigan resident who is currently in prison operate a $2.2 million scheme that involved submitting 240 fraudulent COVID unemployment insurance claims, officials said.
โI could not believe what I was seeingโ: Woman shares story of $17K bill from Michigan unemployment agency
She filed for unemployment as an independent contractor and soon the checks she needed arrived, but then late last year she received a notification from UIA telling her she owed the state $17,000. She was stunned.
Michigan to restore unemployment work-search rule, keep $300 supplement
Michigan will reinstate a requirement that people receiving unemployment benefits show they are actively searching for work, effective May 30, but has no plan to end a $300 weekly federal supplement going to 816,000 jobless residents.
Michiganders on unemployment will be required to prove theyโre actively searching for work to keep benefits
Frustrated business owners who are offering bonuses and upgraded wages testified in front of the Michigan House Oversight Committee that they canโt get workers because of expanded state and federal unemployment benefits.
Expansions to temporary Michigan unemployment provisions set to expire March 31
A new or additional claim for unemployment benefits filed within 28 days of the last day the claimant worked will no longer be considered to have been filed on time. LANSING, Mich โ According to state law, some temporary expansions in unemployment eligibility and cost-sharing applicable to state unemployment claims are set to expire on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Unemployment expansions expiring include:28-day late filingA new or additional claim for unemployment benefits filed within 28 days of the last day the claimant worked will no longer be considered to have been filed on time. Individuals who are disqualified for state unemployment benefits based on these reasons may qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Relaxed eligibility requirements for the Work Share programEmployers must meet and maintain the traditional requirements for Work Share plans.
Metro Detroit father who fought for unemployment benefits runs into another glitch in the system
Thousands of Michigan residents are still struggling with the Michigan Unemployment Agency while trying to get their benefits. A Metro Detroit father is one of the people who thought his issue was fixed, but then the money once again stopped coming due to another glitch. READ: Michigan officials say unemployment rate declined in February -- here are the numbersBrandon Gregware has been struggling with the unemployment agency. If you find yourself in a similar situation you should call the Unemployment Insurance Agency and set up an appointment. Thursdayโs report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims climbed from 725,000 the week before.
Michigan officials say unemployment rate declined in February -- here are the numbers
Michigan officials said unemployment numbers in the state declined in February for the second consecutive month. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined by half a percentage point during February, to 5.2%, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Despite the jobless rate reduction, the state employment level edged down slightly over the month (-14,000), as did the number of unemployed (-28,000), state officials revealed. The unemployment rate in the U.S. decreased in February by one-tenth of a percentage point, to 6.2%, data shows. Since the height of pandemic-related layoffs in April 2020, Michigan unemployment fell by 841,000, or by 77.6%.
US jobless claims rise to 770,000 with layoffs still high
(AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)WASHINGTON โ The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits rose last week to 770,000, a sign that layoffs remain high even as much of the U.S. economy is steadily recovering from the coronavirus recession. Thursday's report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims climbed from 725,000 the week before. A total of 4.1 million people are continuing to collect traditional state unemployment benefits, down 18,000 from the previous week. No single factor fully explains the still-high level of weekly applications for state unemployment aid. In addition, the expansion of supplemental federal unemployment benefits has likely encouraged more jobless Americans to apply for aid.
What to do if you are a victim of unemployment fraud
Unemployment fraud in the U.S. has reached dramatic levels during the pandemic: more than $63 billion has been paid out improperly through fraud or errors since March 2020. Here's what you should know about how to spot unemployment fraud, protect yourself and what to do if you are a victim. TAKE ACTIONIf you are a victim, reach out to your state unemployment office to report the fraud. Those steps will not prevent unemployment fraud from being committed, but could deter further crime. The IRS has tips for victims of unemployment fraud and filing taxes online.
How the COVID pandemic has impacted Metro Detroit businesses
DETROIT โ In addition to the nearly 16,000 COVID-related deaths in Michigan over the last year, we know the pandemic has been devastating to businesses. AdThere have been a few bright spots with some businesses seeing an uptick in businesses due to the pandemic. Dimitri Polychronou owns Earlโs Dry Cleaning. People have been great to work with during this pandemic,โ Millen said. AdThe majority of locally-owned businesses have really struggled, but there is hope of things improving as vaccine distribution expands.
Some Michiganders will no longer receive extra weeks of unemployment benefits
Some Michigan residents who were previously eligible will no longer receive additional weeks of unemployment benefits, the state revealed. Michigan is no longer in a high unemployment period, so claimants receiving extended benefits and pandemic unemployment assistance will not longer receive them for extra weeks, according to state officials. Under federal law, a state in a high unemployment period receives seven additional weeks of PUA and EB benefits. Since Michigan is no longer in a high unemployment period, those seven extra weeks will not be paid, according to officials. AdFor residents receiving extra benefits who have already been paid for the maximum number of weeks, their claim is considered exhausted, and there are no more weeks of extra benefits available, state officials said.
U-M: Parent depression, stress caused by pandemic had negative impact on kidsโ schooling
Most of the parents said that their children learned online from home, using school-provided electronic resources, educational apps and social media. Roughly 35% of parents reported that their childrenโs behavior changed since the pandemic began, including feelings of sadness, loneliness and depression. Daily schedule disruptions and a lack of access to free and reduced-price meals from school were significant stressors, parents reported. โResearch suggests that, unfortunately, the high levels of stress, anxiety and depression among parents remained high through the summer and early fall. Co-authors on the study are U-M doctoral student in psychology and social work, Kaitlin Ward and U-M undergraduate research assistants Kasey Downing and Olivia Chang.
3 ways to handle unemployment benefits when it comes to income taxes
For those who turned to unemployment benefits last year, with tax season upon us, you might be wondering how itโs all going to shake out when it comes to filing your income taxes. But hereโs the thing: You still have to pay federal taxes on said unemployment benefits. It ensures you wonโt have that burden later, giving you a head start when tax season approaches. Pay quarterlyIf you didnโt have your taxes withheld, another option is to send quarterly estimated taxes on that money to the IRS. When quarterly taxes are due:When you get paid Tax due date Jan. 1โMarch 31 April 15 April 1โMay 31 June 15 June 1โAug.
Michigan residents say there are problems with online unemployment system, struggle to get benefits
DETROIT โ People in Michigan trying to file for unemployment or update a claim said they have been struggling to get the benefits they need. Officials said several upgrades have been made in the last few months, but there are two major problems that are persisting despite those upgrades. READ: Thousands of Michigan residents still struggling to get unemployment benefitsThe first is the online system just canโt keep up with the demand. The other issue is identity theft. The identity theft is causing accounts to be frozen and even just lifting the freeze is a challenge.
Financial expert offers advice on navigating unique tax season during pandemic
DETROIT โ As with so many things during the pandemic filing your taxes this year is very different. There is a whole new list of challenges for many who may have collected unemployment or suffered job loss. This year here is what you need to know if you collected unemployment or a stimulus check. โI just think it is the craziest year because there are so many moving parts,โ said financial expert, Tom Hakim. AdFor those of you who have collected unemployment or received stimulus checks, you need to know how this could affect your taxes.
1099-G tax forms being sent to Michiganders who didnโt file for unemployment
Some Michigan residents have been receiving 1099-G forms for unemployment benefits that they never applied for or received. Some have reported receiving a form from other states, while people living in other states have received the form from the state of Michigan. John Craig of Troy said he received a 1099-G form claiming he received $7,458. Click here for more information on the 1099-G tax form. AdHereโs some more information from UIA:Is there any new or additional information regarding the 1099-G crisis?
Michigan reopens pandemic unemployment assistance as system struggles to keep up with demand
DETROIT โ It has been riddled with problems since the start of the pandemic, but on Monday the Michigan Insurance Agency rolled out some badly needed changes. In order to help the thousands of unemployed people across the state it rolled out an updated computer system. It gives you an idea of just how dysfunctional the unemployment system is when the newly updated system crashed Monday morning. This new update covers pandemic unemployment assistance known as PUA and pandemic emergency unemployment compensation or PEUC. Answer: This is an issue with the stateโs MiLogin system and is affecting more than the unemployment system.
Michigan unemployment: PUA, PEUC claimants can now reopen, certify claims, state says
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan residents who had PUA and PEUC claims that ended in December can now reopen, certify or apply for benefits, state unemployment officials said. Officials with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency said they have completed system updates for the recently extended federal unemployment insurance programs. All remaining Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation claimants whose claims ended when CARES Act programs were interrupted in December can now either reopen, certify or apply for benefits available under the Continued Assistance Act, according to the state. A new provision under the CAA requires PUA claimants to submit proof of employment or self-employment to maintain eligibility. Workers on regular state UI benefits will no longer receive the PEUC extension automatically.
Michigan residents still fighting unemployment fraud amid tax season
DETROIT โ Some Michigan residents have been receiving 1099-G forms for unemployment benefits that they never applied for or received. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency was hacked last year. She said receiving the 1099-G is just the latest update in a long struggle with the unemployment agency. The larger problem for many people is that theyโre getting kicked up into a higher tax bracket, where the tax bill is still higher. READ: Task force cracking down on unemployment fraud in Michigan
Hackers filing unemployment claims for Michigan residents who arenโt unemployed
Unemployment claims in Michigan have been at an all-time high during the pandemic. DETROIT โ Someone is hacking into the Michigan unemployment office and filing claims for people who arenโt unemployed, Local 4โฒs Rod Meloni has learned. The victims didnโt know about these fraudulent claims until they saw unemployment income that they didnโt receive included on their tax forms, officials said. Those residents are being pushed up into a higher tax bracket as a result, state officials said. Michigan officials have seen an increase in fraudulent activities surrounding unemployment as thousands of residents try to get benefits because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
3 Metro Detroiters accused of 95 fraudulent unemployment claims as thousands struggle to get benefits
Federal officials said the two filed at least 66 fraudulent Michigan unemployment insurance benefits claims, causing a loss of more than $150,000. โAs I have said before, those who steal unemployment benefits steal from all of us. Court records show they had the fraudulent benefits deposited into a variety of bank accounts, including some connected to prepaid debit cards. Officials said Armstrong has filed fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits on behalf of people in Michigan, California and Pennsylvania. โThe UIA remains committed to working closely with all of our federal and state partners on the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force to bring unemployment fraud cases to justice.โ
Law clinic at University of Michigan helps residents resolve unemployment claims
RELATED: Michigan unemployment: Residents can start to claim remaining PEUC, PUA paymentsThereโs a new way people who are battling the Unemployment Insurance Agency can get help to solve these issues. The University of Michiganโs Workersโ Rights Clinic has law students assisting residents in solving what can be frustrating issues. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the school said the Workersโ Rights Clinic would average about 15 phone calls each week. The Workersโ Rights Clinic -- formerly the Unemployment Insurance Clinic -- offers advice, provides representation at more. To apply for legal assistance through the Workersโ Rights Clinic, visit the University of Michigan Law Schoolโs official website here.
Michigan unemployment: Residents can start to claim remaining PEUC, PUA payments this week
Michigan residents who have remaining pandemic unemployment payments can start to claim them this week, including the additional $300 COVID-19 benefit, state officials announced. Residents who claimed Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits and had weeks remaining on their claim as of Dec. 26, 2020, can start to certify their claims, according to the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. RELATED: Whitmer confirms start of $300 unemployment payments to Michiganders affected by COVID-19The certification process can be done through MiWAM accounts, officials said. Residents who didnโt exhaust their original 13 weeks of PEUC can claim the balance of remaining weeks, starting with the week ending Jan. 2, officials said. Claimants who didnโt exhaust their original 39 weeks of PUA payments can claim the balance of remaining weeks, beginning with the week ending Jan. 2, the state revealed.
$300 COVID-19 unemployment payments slowly making way to Michigan residents
The battle to collect unemployment benefits continues for many Michigan residents, but state officials said the $300 COVID-19 bonus is coming soon. State officials said that money is slowing making its way to Michigan. READ: Whitmer signs $106M relief bill, extends COVID-19 unemployment benefits through MarchThe Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payments run from Dec. 27, 2020, through March 13, 2021. They offer an additional $300 in benefits per week to Michigan claimants who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Claimants donโt have to take action to receive the additional payments.
Metro Detroit man made fraudulent unemployment claims in multiple states worth nearly $150k, feds say
That includes a Metro Detroit man who investigators said withdrew nearly $150,000 before he was arrested. The scheme spread across two states and involved fake social security numbers, addresses and driverโs license numbers. The investigator reported large cash withdrawals at bank machines across Oakland County. Federal investigators said Baker received unemployment benefits from Pennsylvania in various victimsโ names on the prepaid debit cards and used those cards to make the cash withdrawals. Surveillance images from the banks where cash withdrawals were made were used to identify Baker.
Michigan begins making $300 COVID-19 unemployment payments to Michigan residents
LANSING, Mich. โ Michigan has started making the $300 weekly COVID-19 unemployment payments to eligible residents who were affected by the pandemic. The Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payments run from Dec. 27, 2020, through March 13, 2021. They offer an additional $300 in benefits per week to Michigan claimants who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. PEUC provides 11 additional weeks of benefits for those who have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits. PUA provides unemployment benefits to those not typically eligible for unemployment including self-employed and gig workers.
11 takeaways from Michigan Gov. Whitmerโs update on COVID-19 in Michigan
Gretchen Whitmer held a briefing Tuesday (Dec. 29) to discuss the stateโs handling of COVID-19, a $106 million relief bill, unemployment benefits and more. Gretchen Whitmer signs a $106 million COVID-19 relief bill on Dec. 29, 2020. โI proposed this stimulus plan to the legislature in November because I know how much our families, frontline workers, and small businesses need relief,โ Whitmer said. Whitmer vetoes other itemsWhen she signed the relief bill, Whitmer line item vetoed any items not subject to negotiated agreement. Requests for legislationWhitmer makes public requests of the Michigan Legislature during nearly every COVID-19 briefing, and Tuesday was no different.
Timeline of how COVID trends have actually changed since Michigan issued, extended, revised order
Michiganโs most recent COVID-19 order has issued, extended and then revised tighter restrictions on the state over the past six weeks. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the order has greatly improved the COVID-19 situation in Michigan, but does that timeline actually line up?
Michiganโs COVID-19 trends continue to improve -- hereโs an update on all 3 major metrics
LANSING, Mich. โ The three major metrics Michigan uses to gauge the spread of COVID-19 continue to improve, according to an update from the stateโs top health official. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, updated the stateโs case, hospitalization and positivity rates during Gov. These regions also have the highest case rates, though both are declining in that regard. As of Tuesday, 13.8% of inpatient hospital beds across the state are being used for COVID-19 patients, Khaldun said. While the numbers improve, nearly 71,000 people have been vaccinated in Michigan, Khaldun said.