The establishment and collection of overpayments is part of the Division of Employment Security’s (DES’) efforts to prevent fraud and waste in an employer-funded (as is the case with Regular unemployment) or a federally funded unemployment program, as well as to ensure that benefits are available to those who are eligible for them.
An overpayment occurs when a person is paid unemployment insurance benefits they are not entitled to receive, even if an honest mistake occurred that was not their fault. The establishment of an overpayment happens after a person begins receiving benefits if new or additional information is received that changes the initial determination of benefits.
Individuals are notified of the overpayment as soon as possible after it is determined. The notice lists the reason for the overpayment, the section of law that covers the overpayment, and the weeks overpaid. The notice also includes instructions for filing an appeal if the individual believes that the overpayment decision is incorrect. To learn more about overpayments click here.