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Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Recoupment Act

3/7/2024, 5:29 PM

Summary of Bill S 1018

The Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Recoupment Act, also known as Bill 118 s 1018, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of fraudulent unemployment claims that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill aims to recoup funds that were improperly distributed to individuals who filed fraudulent unemployment claims. This is important because these fraudulent claims have cost the government millions of dollars and have taken away resources from those who truly need financial assistance during this difficult time.

If passed, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Recoupment Act would establish a process for identifying and recouping funds from individuals who received unemployment benefits through fraudulent means. This process would involve working with state unemployment agencies to investigate and recover funds from those who were found to have filed false claims. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to strengthen the integrity of the unemployment insurance system and prevent future fraud. This may include implementing stricter verification processes for claimants, increasing penalties for those found guilty of fraud, and providing additional resources to state agencies to combat fraudulent claims. Overall, the Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Recoupment Act is a crucial piece of legislation that aims to address the issue of fraudulent unemployment claims and ensure that funds are distributed fairly and equitably to those in need. It is currently being debated in Congress, and its passage could have a significant impact on the integrity of the unemployment insurance system.

Congressional Summary of S 1018

Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Recoupment Act

This bill extends the time period when a state must recover improperly paid pandemic unemployment insurance (UI) benefits and bring related criminal charges or enforcement actions to 10 years.

The bill also adds certain recovery requirements to two pandemic UI programs—Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Lost Wages Assistance (LWA)—that match the requirements of other pandemic UI programs. Specifically, the state must (1) repay itself by deducting the PUA or LWA funds from any UI benefits a recipient may later qualify to receive; and (2) ensure the recipient is provided with notice, a hearing, and a final determination.

Current Status of Bill S 1018

Bill S 1018 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 28, 2023. Bill S 1018 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on March 28, 2023.  Bill S 1018's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. as of March 28, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1018

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
10
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
10
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1018

Primary Policy Focus

Labor and Employment

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1018

Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Recoupment Act
Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Recoupment Act
A bill to extend the statute of limitations for fraud by individuals under the COVID-19 unemployment programs.
A bill to extend the statute of limitations for fraud by individuals under the COVID-19 unemployment programs.

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