Pennsylvania Announces Unemployment Compensation Amnesty Program
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Pennsylvania has announced a first-of-its-kind program to give full or partial amnesty in an effort to recoup money that is owed to the state's Unemployment Compensation Fund.
States have offered amnesty for back taxes, but apparently never before have offered an unemployment compensation amnesty program.
But between June 1st and the end of August, people who received benefits they were not entitled to, and employers who have not made required payments, will have a chance to make things right as Pennsylvania hopes to recoup some of the more than $600 million that is owed.
Sara Goulet, spokeswoman for the state's Department of Labor and Industry, says folks who were not at fault for being overpaid will not face any interest or penalties. Plus, she says, "During the amnesty period (they are) required to pay back only half of that overpayment."
Those who were at fault will have to pay back the full amount plus any lien costs, but will have half the interest and penalties waived.
