Florida Unemployment Fraud And Overpayment
How do I report information to your agency if I believe an individual is working and fraudulently claiming benefits?
You can make the report using the Internet at the website www.fluidnow.com. Under “Quicklinks”, select “Report UC Fraud.” You will be provided with a form to complete which can then be submitted electronically.
You may also report fraud by calling toll free 1-800-342-9909 or by submitting the information in writing to:
Benefit Payment Control
P.O. Drawer 5150
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5150
You are not required to provide your name when providing possible fraud “tips.” We accept anonymous tips. If we are able to contact you concerning the tip, please include your name and a telephone number where you can be contacted. Please provide as much information as possible so that the information can be fully investigated.
2. Where did you get the information that I worked while receiving benefits?
This information is reported to our agency from numerous sources. We receive the information from employers, tips, agency personnel offices and other states.
3. I have an overpayment of unemployment compensation benefits. To what address do I send the payment to pay back the overpayment?
The check or money order should be made payable to the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund and mailed to the address below:
Benefit Payment Control
P.O. Drawer 5050
Tallahassee, Fl 32314-5050
Be sure to include your social security number with your payment.
4. How can I be overpaid? I paid into this fund for years so it’s my money.
Employees in Florida do not pay into the Unemployment Compensation Fund. There are no deductions made from your wages to finance this program. The program is entirely funded by the taxes paid and reimbursements by the employers in Florida.
I did not receive all the money you now say I must pay back. Why do I have to pay back more than I received?
At the time you filed your unemployment compensation claim, you requested that federal taxes be withheld from your weekly unemployment benefits. The funds withheld were sent to the federal government on your behalf. You must repay there funds as well as the money you actually received. When the funds withheld for tax purposes and sent to the federal government are repaid, there is a provision that will allow you to take a tax credit when you file your income tax report.
6. I am unemployed. How can I pay back this money owed?
If you are presently unemployed, file a claim and a determination will be made concerning your eligibility. If you are eligible, the weeks that you claim that are payable will be used to pay back your overpayment.
7. What happens if I do not pay back the overpayment?
Listed below are the actions available to the Agency in order to collect outstanding overpayments.
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Unemployment Compensation fraud is a third degree felony. Fraud cases will be filed with the state attorney for possible prosecution.
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Non-fraud cases are filed in civil court and with a private collection agency.
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When a new claim is filed, each week for which you certify and are eligible for benefits will be used to pay back the outstanding overpayment balances.
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Lottery winnings are withheld to pay back an unemployment compensation overpayment.
8. How can I set up a repayment plan?
There is no need to contact the Agency to set up a repayment plan. Simply begin to send monthly payments when you receive your monthly statement
9. How much should I pay each month to pay back the overpayment?
The monthly required amount is based on the amount of the overpayment. The amount agreed upon must reduce the amount of the overpayment to zero within a reasonable time. It is recommended that you pay ten per cent (10%) of the total amount due each month.
10. What if I cannot afford 10% of the balance due?
Pay what you can. The important thing is to pay something each month, no matter how small. As long as you are making consistent monthly payments, additional collection actions will not be taken.
11. I made a payment last month. Why doesn’t it show on the monthly statement?
The closing date for the statement is shown at the top of the statement. Any payments received after the closing date will be posted to the next month’s statement.
12. I received a summons in the mail stating I am being sued for an overpayment. Why wasn’t I previously notified of the overpayment?
When it was determined that you were overpaid, a written determination was mailed to your most current official address of record on your claim. The determination advised you regarding the amount of the overpayment and provided instructions regarding how to pay back the debt. Monthly statements were also mailed to you. You must either make an agreement with the agency to pay back the overpayment or the case is prepared for court action.
13. My case is being filed in civil court and I received a request for payment in the mail. How can I set up a payment arrangement?
An “Acceptance of Service and Answer/ Stipulation for Entry of Conditional Judgment” form was mailed to you. You must complete and return the form before the pretrial hearing date. If the agreement is not received by that date, a default judgment will be issued.
14. To what address do I send the completed “Acceptance of Service and Answer/Stipulation for Entry of Conditional Judgment” form?
When the form was sent to you, a preaddressed envelope was included for your convenience. If you have misplaced this envelope your completed agreement should be mailed to:
Benefit Payment Control
P.O. Drawer 5150
Tallahassee, Fl 32314-5150
Upon receipt of the completed agreement, you will receive a copy with the judge’s signature and the signature of an Agency representative to prove receipt and acceptance of the agreement.
15. I made a repayment agreement by telephone. Do I still need to complete and return the “Acceptance of Service and Answer/Stipulation for Entry of Conditional Judgment” form?
Yes. You must return the completed form to show written proof of the amount you have agreed to pay back each month until the debt is paid in full. Since the case has been filed in civil court, a “good faith, verbal” agreement is not acceptable.
16. Why do I have to pay court fees if I sign and return the completed “stipulation” agreement?
You are required to pay the cost associated with the collection action because your case has already been filed in civil court. Our agency must recoup the cost of the court fees.