Demand For Repayment Of Covid Unemployment Benefits Shocks Jackson Resident
JACKSON, Miss. – A Jackson man is being ordered to repay unemployment benefits to the tune of nearly $10,000.
Letters from his employer verified that he was laid off due to the pandemic but now he says MDES is coming after him when they approved his benefit payments.
Who makes the decision about whos qualified and whos not qualified, and why do you have to repay this money if it was their mistake? asked Reverend Herb Anderson.
He is talking about more than $97-hundred dollars in unemployment benefits he received from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
The Jackson minister said he was approved for unemployment in 2020 when he was laid off from his part time job at the Deluxe Cab Company. The former broadcaster began receiving $110 a week in benefits.
All of a sudden I stated getting some extra money. I guess it was part of the government stimulus package, said Anderson. So the benefits went up by $300 I guess for that, and of course I never asked for any additional money. They never asked me to qualify for any additional money.
In August, Anderson received a notice of overpayment from MDES stating that he had to return over $9,700. That was followed by an MDES Warrant for Collection of Overpayment.
Someone there at the Department of Employment Security is probably benefiting someway from collections, said Anderson. I dont know if they get a bonus or they get a percentage of what they collect. Something suspicious is going on behind the scenes.
Businesses Encouraged To Report Applicants Who Refuse Job Offers
The department has taken to social media in recent weeks to encourage businesses to report applicants who refuse job offers while still collecting unemployment. The state set up an online portal where employers can submit applicants for investigation.
Cook says reports have surged since the state began pushing employers to make them.
Charita McCarrol is human resources manager at Great Southern Industries, a packaging company in Jackson. She said she has used the state’s portal to make reports and she sees a lot of people abusing the system.
You cant get people to come to work,” McCarrol said. It has been an absolute nightmare in the world of staffing agencies.”
McCarrol’s company has about 69 of its 89 positions filled. Sometimes, it can’t run all of its machines because it doesn’t have enough employees, or it has to shut down a shift. Supervisors are running machines and driving forklifts because they can’t find people to fill the roles.
At the Half Shell Oyster House seafood restaurant in Flowood, manager Jalen Loggins said he has had similar experiences. The restaurant is hiring for all positions.
Weve had people show up to orientation, do the 2½-hour orientation, and then never show back up,” he said.
Like many businesses, Half Shell started an incentive program, offering a $300 sign-on bonus and another $300 after three months.
Change In Filing Process Due To Covid
In order to reduce hold times for telephone filings, claims will be taken on specific days, based on the first letter of the claimant’s last name.
- If your last name begins with A-M: please file your claim on Mondayor Thursday
- If your last name begins with N-Z: please file your claim on Tuesday or Friday
The Claims Call Center is available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
UI claims may be filed anytime via WYUI.wyo.gov.
In an effort to process claims as quickly as possible and make sure those claimants who are eligible for UI benefits receive them in a timely manner, the UI claims office will not be available by phone on Wednesdays. All UI personnel are working Wednesdays to process claims.
The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services – Unemployment Insurance Program pays temporary benefits to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. In order to access this program, those workers need to be looking for work and meet certain requirements.
The Unemployment Insurance Division offers the following services:
- Unemployment Claims and Payments
Don’t Miss: Va 21 4140
Where Is The Unemployment Office In Jackson County Ms
Do you need to file for unemployment benefits in Jackson County, Mississippi? Do you have questions about your claim? You can find the information you need at the website of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, the state agency that administers unemployment benefits in Mississippi.
If you havent applied for unemployment benefits recently , you might think you have to go into the local unemployment office and file your claim in person. These days, however, its much easier and often, required to file your claim online or by phone.
On this page, you’ll find
- contact information for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security
- contact information for local job centers, which can help you with your job search and may offer assistance in filing for unemployment benefits, and
- links to our articles on how to file for benefits in Mississippi, eligibility for benefits in Mississippi, calculating your weekly benefit amount in Mississippi, and more.
Unemployment Benefit Legal Issues
Having legal counsel to obtain unemployment benefits can make a difference. It is best to hire a Jackson lawyer who handles unemployment benefits cases. He or she can form the arguments to use at the appeal hearing, meet the deadline for filing your appeal and present your case to the administrative judge.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Change My Address For Unemployment Online
Expired Federal Pandemic Unemployment Programs
However, these federal programs ended on September 6, 2021. In some states, they ended even earlier: About half the states decided to stop participating in these programs before they expired.
For weeks of unemployment beginning on or after September 6, 2021, these benefits will no longer be available. That means:
- Benefits will no longer be available to the millions of gig workers, contractors, and freelancers who were receiving unemployment through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
- Benefits will no longer be available through the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program, which offered additional benefits to those who were still unemployed when they used up their state benefits.
- Benefits will be reduced for those who were receiving Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, a program that offered $300 extra per week to those collecting unemployment.
All told, experts estimate that more than seven million people lost their benefits on Labor Day, 2021. More than two million more saw their benefits cut by $300 per week.
Trouble Filing Unemployment Heres Why Many Are Having Issues And How Mississippi Is Working To Fix It
For many, getting a person on the other end of the phone has been a struggle. Other got through but their claims were denied.
JACKSON, Miss. – Thousands of people across Mississippi are frustrated as they try to file unemployment claims.
Gov. Tate Reeves addressed the issues with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security during his daily press conference Thursday, asking people to please be patient.
WATCH LIVE: Gov. Tate Reeves holds news conference on Mississippi’s response to COVID-19
Posted by WLOX-TV on Thursday, April 9, 2020
The money will be based on when you lost your job, not when you filed, said Reeves. You will get your money that youre entitled to… We see you, we hear you, we will help you. We will not let you down. We will get our economy back.
For many, getting a person on the other end of the phone has been a struggle, with some spending hours – and even days! – repeatedly calling to try and file an unemployment claim.
Many people say they were finally able to get a claim filed online but were denied.
Many people who may not qualify for unemployment under typical circumstances will now qualify under the new state and federal guidelines in place due to the pandemic.
However, the MDES technology is not updated with that information yet. So when people file online claims, said Turner, they are being automatically denied because the computer system is basing the information off of the usual requirements.
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Read Also: Nc Unemployment Benefits Estimator
Us Unemployment Offices And Career Centersfind Your Local Unemployment Office Here
Here you will find an extensive list of all the unemployment offices that are located in mississippi. See how other local areas compare by using our unemployment compare tool. The current unemployment rate for jackson is 7.8% in november 2020. The jackson mississippi department of employment security office recommends online claim filings for unemployed workers. Jackson unemployment offices in mississippi. Mississippi’s barely functioning unemployment insurance system. Jackson mississippi unemployment office, located in ms. A list of cities that have mississippi unemployment office locations is provided below. You ought to glance at yahoo’s front page and watch how they write post headlines to. A covered employer who pays wages of $1,500 or more in a calendar quarter or who employs at least. These offices will aid you in giving up to date information relating to unemployment benefits eligibility, assistance in filing a claim, rates etc. Mississippi district office regions plaza 210 e. We know, because you’ve been sending the jackson free press generally, a newly unemployed person will visit the mdes website or a win jobs center and apply for unemployment.
How Much Will I Collect In Unemployment Benefits In Mississippi
In Mississippi, you can earn up to $235 per week in unemployment benefits under state law.
Although additional money was available under the temporary Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, that program expired on September 6, 2021 . For weeks of unemployment starting on September 6, you will not receive these additional benefits.
Every state has its own rules for calculating unemployment benefits. Typically, the amount you receive each week is based on your earnings when you were employed. After all, unemployment benefits are intended to replace some of the income you lost along with your job, and tide you over until you find new work.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Unemployment If You Are Fired
Mississippi Workers Unable To Work Due To Covid
JACKSON, Miss. – Mississippi workers that have not been able to work due to coronavirus can now file for unemployment.
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security announced Friday that existing unemployment compensation requirements have been adjusted, allowing more people to file for benefits.
People who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who have been quarantined by a medical professional or government agency due to coronavirus are among those who can now file for benefits. Also included are people who were laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employers. People who are caring for a family member who has been diagnosed with the virus are also included.
To file an unemployment claim, visit the MDES website or call the MDES Contact Center at 888-844-3577. Online claims can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Please keep in mind that many people are trying to get through so the phone lines and the website may be busy and/or overwhelmed during peak times.
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Efforts To Attract Employees Include Entertainment Carnivals Car Raffle
Many places are taking creative approaches to attract employees.
MGM Resorts International and Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi held a job fair featuring ice sculptures and live dancers. The Shrimp Basket restaurant chain is raffling off a new car. Jackson restaurant owner Jeff Good held a hiring carnival with games, balloons and ice cream.
Workers are demanding more than they were before the pandemic, employers say.
Matt Roberts, general manager at Shaggys Biloxi Beach, said the restaurant is fully staffed since it raised pay to a guaranteed $15 an hour for every full-time position, adding medical, vision and dental benefits. The Biloxi restaurant is one of five Shaggy’s locations and has about 90 employees.
Theres a lot of coast restaurants that are having to close on certain days of the week because they dont have enough employees that want to get paid, you know, $7.25 an hour to cook in the kitchen, Roberts said.
He said he wants employees to know they are valued.
Have a little empathy, you know?” Roberts said. “We just want to make it so employees have a livable wage where they not only just take care of themselves, they can take care of their families.”
For subscribers:Community helped him save his bakery. A new federal fund can help get it back on track
Also Check: What Ticket Number Is Pa Unemployment On
Jackson County Unemployment Offices & Job Centers
- Get answers to common questions about unemployment for those who have lost work due to COVID-19.
- You’ll need to file weekly claims and search for work to keep collecting unemployment benefits.
- Find out the weekly unemployment benefit limits in Mississippi.
- Learn how to find and contact the Mississippi unemployment agency.
- Find out how to appeal if your unemployment benefits claim is denied by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
Points To Consider Before Hiring A Lawyer
Experience. Regardless of the type of legal matter you need help with, an experienced attorney will usually be able to get you better results.
Competence. Determine an attorneys expertise by asking about their track record for the issue you need help with resolving.
Fit. There are plenty of good attorneys out there make sure you find one you are comfortable working with.
Also Check: What Ticket Number Is Pa Unemployment On
‘i Am Terrified To Be Honest’ Woman Says Of End To Pay Supplement
At least 24 Republican-led states in the U.S. have now decided to end federal unemployment benefits early, months before they were set to expire in September 2021. That means millions of people will lose support. People in Mississippi, one of the poorest states in the country with the lowest-paying jobs, will be among the first to lose benefits.
Folks said the governor’s decision means her current weekly check of $491 will go down to nothing.
Im terrified, to be honest, Folks said. I just cant live off of that.
Learn more:Mississippi to end additional federal unemployment benefits in June, governor says
About 90,000 people were receiving the $300 unemployment supplement for reasons related to the coronavirus pandemic at the start of May, according to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
Reeves, a Republican, said he made the decision to stop accepting the federal supplement after consulting with business owners and employees.
Even though most capacity restrictions and other coronavirus regulations have been lifted for businesses, they still aren’t able to recover fully because they can’t find employees, said Erma Cook, director of the office of re-employment assistance at Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
For subscribers:‘We’re in a crisis mode’: How staffing shortage is affecting Miss. restaurants, patrons
Hinds County Unemployment Offices & Job Centers
- Get answers to common questions about unemployment for those who have lost work due to COVID-19.
- You’ll need to file weekly claims and search for work to keep collecting unemployment benefits.
- Find out the weekly unemployment benefit limits in Mississippi.
- Learn how to find and contact the Mississippi unemployment agency.
- Find out how to appeal if your unemployment benefits claim is denied by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.
Also Check: Ways To Make Money While Unemployed
Mdes Phone Numbers Change To Better Serve Mississippians
Jackson, MS Today, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security announced a change in phone numbers in an effort to streamline services for Mississippians requiring assistance with Unemployment Insurance Assistance.
On Tuesday, December 8, 2020, the number for Unemployment Insurance Tax assistance will change to 601-493-9427. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
On Thursday, December 10, 2020, the number for the Benefits Pay Control department regarding over-payment or to report fraud will change to 601-493-9427. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Claimants should call 601-493-9427 or 601-326-1119 for the following services.
- To file unemployment claims,
- Ask questions about existing claims,
- Password reset assistance, and
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You May Be Eligible For Benefits Even If You Quit You Were Fired For Cause Or You Are Still Working Part
Some people mistakenly believe that unemployment is available only to employees who are laid off. However, you don’t have to lose your job in a layoff to qualify for benefits. The key question is whether you are out of work without fault on your part. So, if you were forced to quit your job in lieu of being fired, or you were fired because you don’t have the necessary skills for your job, you could still be eligible for benefits.
- online by going to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security website, or
Recommended Reading: How Long Does Unemployment Take To Direct Deposit
Mdes Streamlines Service Phone Numbers
JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Employment Security announced a change in phone numbers to streamline services for people who need assistance filing for unemployment insurance.
The phone number for Unemployment Insurance Tax assistance is now 601-493-9427. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
As of Thursday, Dec. 10, the number for the Benefits Pay Control department regarding over-payment or to report fraud will change to 601-493-9427. The hours of operation are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
| Claimants should call 601-493-9427 or 601-326-1119 for the following services: |
|---|
| To file unemployment claims |
