TWC Recovers Millions in Unemployment Fraud
Posted/updated on: March 1, 2011 at 11:15 am
AUSTIN — The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) recovered nearly $4 million in fraudulently obtained Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits in Calendar Year 2010. TWC investigates and refers to local district attorney offices cases in which UI benefits are obtained through fraud or deception. These funds will be returned to the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund from which TWC pays unemployment benefits to those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
In addition to restitution orders, individuals who commit UI fraud can be ordered to pay fines, perform hours of community service and some serve jail time. One Upshur County individual was prosecuted for state UI fraud in 2010 and ordered to pay $4,626 in restitution.
TWC’s Regulatory Integrity Division is charged with detecting and preventing fraud, waste and abuse. The division enforces all regulatory statutes within the jurisdiction of the agency, including Tax, Workforce, Trade Act, Skills Development, Self-Sufficiency, Child Care and all other programs that TWC administers. Prevention, detection and elimination of fraud, waste and abuse in the UI program are top priorities, ensuring that funds are available exclusively to those who meet the eligibility requirements.
