Recipients of non-fraudulent unemployment overpayments can now apply for waivers

Ohioans who received unemployment overpayments through no fault of their own can now apply for waivers that would absolve them of repaying those funds back to the state.

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services stated it has started notifying individuals — either by U.S. mail or electronically — who are potentially eligible and are providing them with detailed instructions for how to apply.

Later this summer— once system programming is complete — the waiver applications will be reviewed, and approved waivers honored, the department stated in a news release. Additionally, money will be returned to claimants who qualify for a waiver but who previously repaid the overpayment.

Notifications are being sent to claimants in the traditional unemployment program as well as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, the department stated in the release.

If approved, all portions of overpayments could be waived, including the supplemental weekly $600 and $300 payments that were previously available as part of federal stimulus legislation. Those who received Trade, SharedWork Ohio, and other types of unemployment benefits also may be eligible for waivers.

“Federal changes in unemployment rules, criteria, and claims volume resulted in widespread overpayments of benefits across the nation,” Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder said in a statement. “We know that created a tremendous amount of stress for those already struggling, and these waivers will offer relief to individuals with valid unemployment claims whose overpayments were not their fault.”

State Rep. Daniel P. Troy, D-Willowick, in a statement applauded the announcement, but said he was “disappointed that it took the state this long to correct their mistake.

“Too many of my constituents were extremely stressed out and fearful of impending disruption of their family’s fiscal stability for far too long,” Troy said in his statement.

“I’m hopeful that this late but needed improvement in this program will help Ohioans who need it the most begin to recover from the financial impact of the (novel coronavirus) pandemic.”