LANSING, MI - In the past month, more than 350,000 Michigan workers were told they must pay back their unemployment benefits, mostly from the COVID-19 pandemic, with some getting bills for thousands of dollars.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) says it’s required by law to recollect $2.7 billion in what are called “overpayments,” or when someone got benefits and it was later determined they didn’t qualify.

But this effort has caught people by surprise, baffled lawyers and prompted frustrated state lawmakers to probe for answers.

Michigan UIA Director Jason Palmer addressed the confusion during a Thursday, Oct. 30 hearing held by the Oversight Committee on State and Local Public Assistance Programs.

“Anytime we overpay, we have a duty to collect,” he said.

Collections

See Full Page