08/31/2021

Ohio's Unemployment Overpayments Hit $3.86 Billion During Pandemic

Few have requested waivers

Ohio's unemployment compensation system shelled out $3.38 billion in overpayments and $478 million in fraudulent payments since spring 2020, state officials said Friday.

Ohio is trying to get the word out to 700,000 workers who were overpaid that they need to apply for a waiver to avoid being required to pay back the money. But, so far, just 18 percent of them have completed waiver applications, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).

Ohio's unemployment compensation system was slammed with fraudulent claims and overpayments after the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020. Fraudulent payments are being investigated by state and federal authorities.

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