To lose your job and have to depend on unemployment benefits to make ends meet is bad enough. Finding out you were actually overpaid and now owe a fat check to the unemployment insurance agency, is just adding insult to injury. This has been a problem for thousands of Washington unemployed workers. In fact, according to statistics published by the Department of Labor, over 14 percent of all unemployment insurance payments were improper and were therefore an overpayment.

If you find yourself in this situation, you likely have many questions on your mind. For instance, you may be wondering what an overpayment really means? How can you repay the Employment Security Department for an overpayment? Or, what should you do if you cannot afford the minimum payment set by the Employment Security Department? This post will deal with these questions and provide practical advice on what to do if you have received unemployment insurance overpayments.

What is an overpayment?

Overpayments include any payment issued by the Employment Security Department which is later denied because the recipient was not entitled to the benefits. There are many ways you could end up with your application denied, such as failing to file your work search documents correctly, or not providing evidence that you were able and available to work during any given period. Notice how it is not only the unemployment benefits you must repay if the Employment Security Department decides they have overpaid you. For instance, if your benefits included a deduction to your IRS taxes or a child support deduction and your entitlement to these benefits is denied, you must also repay these benefits in addition to your insurance payments.

How To Pay?

You may repay the Employment Security Department by mail or electronically. Click here to repay electronically or send your payment to the Employment Security Department’s Benefit Payment Control unit’s P.O. Box 24928, Seattle, Washington, 98124-0928. If you decide to mail your repayment make sure you include your full name, identification number or social security number. Notice that you may not repay overpayments at the local offices of the Employment Security Department.

Overpayment Calculation

The Employment Security Department calculates your overpayment amount using different formulas depending on the reason for the overpayment. If you were overpaid due to fraud or misrepresentation on your part, you must repay every week the weekly amount your received or 3 percent of the total balance, whichever is the largest amount.

However, if you were overpaid  for reasons other than fraud, you must repay weekly a third of your weekly benefit, 3 percent of the total balance or $25, whichever is the largest sum. 

If you are struggling to find a job and fear you may run out of unemployment benefits before you find one, the problem might be your training. Studies show that workers with more education and training have a better chance of finding and keeping secure jobs with higher wages. Even skilled and educated workers who have enjoyed productive and lucrative careers may find that their skills are no longer required. If this is your case, you have two options: move to a place where your skills still are in demand or reinvent yourself and train for a new career which is in high demand in your area.

Great idea! I hear you say. Just one problem, college and vocational courses cost money and how will I care for my family while I am training? The Washington Employment Security Department understands these issues are a major obstacle for unemployed workers who seek to improve their chances of finding suitable employment and offers special training and education courses for eligible workers. Find below direct links to programs managed by the state of Washington, which may provide you the key to free education and a better chance of finding the job you and your family needs.

E-Learning

Free Microsoft training – WOW!
The Washington State Employment Security Department has contracted with Microsoft to offer more than 1,000 different online courses to WorkSource customers – for FREE. From first-timer to basic user to expert user to computer professional, you have the opportunity to go as far as you want.

Training Benefits

Training Benefits Video
Learn about the Training Benefits program which offers additional weeks of unemployment benefits so eligible claimants can train for careers in a high-demand field.

Program Directories

WorkSource Career Centers & Affiliated Sites
WorkSource Centers provide the information, technology and services job seekers need to achieve successful careers. They represent a unique concept in the labor market – everything in one place.

WIA Workforce Development Councils (WDC)
Workforce Development Councils are responsible for implementation of the Workforce Investment Act, providing workforce development planning and coordination between education, training and employment efforts in their communities.

Eligible Training Providers

Career Bridge
Career Bridge is the Web site for Washington state’s Eligible Training Provider (ETP) list. The ETP List ensures that certain performance standards are met for programs receiving federal workforce funding under the Workforce Investment Act. Career Bridge matches each job with education and training programs offered throughout the state. Future students can see at a glance the cost of tuition, books and other fees, the location and length of training, entrance requirements and more, as they consider pursuing a particular career path.

Colleges and Universities

Washington State Colleges and Universities
A complete list of degree-granting colleges and universities legally operating in Washington.

Training and Education Center

Career InfoNet
Determine your training needs, finding training, impact of training and more.

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