Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud Protection Act

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud Protection Act

This bill creates several requirements for states to address fraudulent claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), temporarily increases penalties for fraud related to PUA, and requires each state to establish a hotline for victims of unemployment fraud.

Specifically, the bill requires states to

• cross reference PUA claims with federal and state prison records and E-Verify to ensure that claimants are eligible for PUA,
• submit to the Department of Labor plans to recover fraudulently obtained PUA,
• develop an anti-fraud task force to investigate and recover fraudulently obtained PUA,
• make restitution to Labor for the amount of any overpayment of PUA made by the state, and
• establish a hotline designed to encourage individuals who are victims of unemployment fraud and have received an incorrect statement of unemployment compensation to report that fraud.

The bill also temporarily enhances the maximum penalty for fraud related to PUA through December 31, 2021, so that the offense is classified as fraud in relation to a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency and punishable by up to 30 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, or both.

Bill 117 HR 4190, also known as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud Protection Act, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill aims to strengthen measures to prevent and detect fraudulent claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) by requiring states to implement additional verification procedures for claimants. This includes verifying the identity of claimants through the use of biometric data or other secure methods.

Additionally, the bill seeks to increase penalties for individuals found guilty of committing unemployment benefits fraud. This includes fines, imprisonment, and restitution of fraudulently obtained benefits. Furthermore, the bill calls for increased coordination between federal and state agencies to share information and resources in order to better detect and prevent fraudulent claims. Overall, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud Protection Act is designed to protect the integrity of the unemployment benefits system and ensure that funds are distributed to those who are truly in need during the pandemic.