Rep. Miller statement on unemployment overpayment waivers

COLUMBUS— Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) issued a statement following the announcement that Ohioans who were overpaid unemployment benefits during the coronavirus pandemic will be eligible for a waiver to avoid costly repayments. Ohioans who saw their benefits stolen by scammers will also be eligible for replacement payments.

“Many of my constituents are having overpayment issues, and this waiver will be incredibly helpful to them. However, I am still dissatisfied with the Department’s response since the beginning of the pandemic. Many constituents have fallen through the cracks of this broken unemployment system; some have waited months to receive their unemployment checks and are still currently waiting. I have constituents telling me on a daily basis that they cannot get through to anyone on the phone at ODJFS. A lack of communication and follow-up has left people desperate and on the verge of bankruptcy. This is unacceptable,” said Rep. Miller.

Thousands of Ohioans received overpayments because of errors made by state officials or employers during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

House Democrats introduced House Bill 139 earlier this year to require the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services to waive unemployment overpayment collection.