Fraud Still a Problem in Extended Unemployment Benefit Programs

As Congress debates extending long-term unemployment benefits for some 1.3 million Americans, lost in the heated rhetoric are some very important numbers for taxpayers, says Watchdog.org.

– States recorded some $7.7 billion dollars in improper unemployment insurance payments in 2013, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

– Estimated improper payments run as high as 18.16 percent in Nebraska.

– Louisiana posted the highest estimated fraud rate in the nation last year, at more than 7 percent.

– In Wisconsin, estimated improper payments totaled $92,644,556, through June 30.

A look at some other states:

– Illinois: 12.2 percent estimated improper unemployment insurance payment rate, totaling an estimated $266.38 million. Estimated fraud rate was 1.8 percent.

– Michigan: 6.5 percent improper unemployment insurance payment rate, totaling $75.69 million. Fraud rate of 2.25 percent.

– Iowa: 10.3 percent improper unemployment insurance payment rate, totaling $44.98 million. Fraud rate, 1.6 percent.

– Minnesota: 4 percent improper unemployment insurance payment rate, totaling $34.96 million. Fraud rate, 1.9 percent.

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