Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.
Summary
Bill A05015 seeks to amend the New York labor law by introducing a new section that allows for the waiver of repayments of unemployment pandemic benefits (UPB) under specific circumstances. The bill defines various types of waivers, including blanket, categorical, and individual waivers, and establishes criteria for determining eligibility for these waivers. It mandates that the Department of Labor proactively identify claimants eligible for waivers and ensures that claimants are notified of their rights and the waiver process. The bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on individuals who received UPB without fault and to ensure that repayments do not lead to undue hardship.
Impact
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the process by which overpayments of unemployment benefits are handled in New York. It would provide protections for claimants who received benefits without fault, potentially preventing the collection of repayments that could cause financial distress. The bill also requires the Department of Labor to enhance its communication and support systems for claimants, including translations of notices and applications for waivers, thus making the process more accessible.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A05015 appears to be generally supportive among advocates for workers' rights and those concerned about the financial impacts of pandemic-related unemployment overpayments. However, there may be concerns from fiscal conservatives regarding the implications of waiving repayments on state finances and the potential for abuse of the waiver system.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential for abuse of the waiver system and the financial implications for the state budget. Critics may argue that the bill could incentivize negligence among claimants regarding their reporting of eligibility, while supporters contend that it is a necessary measure to protect vulnerable individuals who were misled or confused by the unemployment process.
Same As
Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.
Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.
Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.
Waives Unemployment Pandemic Benefits repayments in whole or in part if the payment of such pandemic unemployment assistance was without fault on the part of the claimant and such repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience.
Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Enforcement ActThis bill extends from 5 to 10 years the statute of limitations for federal criminal charges or civil enforcement actions for fraud related to several unemployment insurance programs that were established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The extension applies to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation, and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. The bill extends the statute of limitations for (1) criminal charges related to fraud, including aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud; and (2) civil actions involving false claims. However, the bill does not apply to a criminal prosecution or civil enforcement action if the applicable statute of limitations expired before the date of the bill's enactment.Additionally, the bill rescinds specified unobligated funds that were provided in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to the Department of Labor for anti-fraud and program integrity activities.
Provides that any claimant who has received certain unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled shall not be held liable for the amounts overpaid provided certain conditions exist; directs the department of labor to provide claimants who have previously been denied waivers with applications for individual waivers; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.
Provides that any claimant who has received certain unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled shall not be held liable for the amounts overpaid provided certain conditions exist; directs the department of labor to provide claimants who have previously been denied waivers with applications for individual waivers; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.