The vast majority of people who are on unemployment are in desperate need of the help that their benefits can provide. Sadly, though, for the thousands that are honestly benefitting from the program, there are a handful of people that are taking advantage of the system.
A new report reveals that in 2011, unemployment insurance fraud cost the federal government a staggering $3.3 billion. The majority of those fraudulent claims originated from people who were actually working while collecting those additional benefits. What is perhaps most disheartening is the fact that those unlawful benefits prevented honest workers who legitimately needed the funds from being able to collect them.
It’s important to note that unemployment benefits are not a handout from the government. This is a type of insurance a worker and their respective employer pay into in case of an emergency due to a layoff. As many of us know all too well, the need for these benefits can come to fruition with little warning and very little rhyme or reason. Stopping the fraud aspect of the system is vitally important but it must be done in a way that doesn’t hinder the rights of those who honestly deserve to benefit from the program.
Tell Us What You Think
We want to hear from you! Have you ever had to collect unemployment and if so, how do you feel about those abusing the system? Share your thoughts on Twitter or in the comments!
More From PayScale
How to Recover From a Bad Interview
Learn to Keep Your Clients Happy From the Restaurant Industry
Learn How To Get More Retweets [infographic]
(Photo Credit: c Brian Jackson – Fotolia.com)
Leave a Reply