U. S. Department of Labor UI Fraud Alert: Instructions for Employers and States
On February 26, 2021 the U.S. Department of Justice issued a Fraud Alert for Unemployment Insurance claims after the issuance of erroneous forms 1099-G. See Issuance of Erroneous Forms 1099-G due to Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims The link provides information about fraudulent claims and links to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and state UI offices. Fraud has become a [...]
US House Ways and Means Committee Advances COVID Related UI Program Extensions
The US House Ways and Means Committee has reported legislation language proposed for inclusion in the budget reconciliation bill for 2021. The language also seeks to address COVID-19 relief and economic stimulus. A summary of the UI related provisions addressed in the bill is available from the House Ways and Means Committee at 1.UI_sxs.pdf (house.gov) Click here for the text [...]
House Democrats Include COVID-19 Presumption for Longshore and FECA in Budget Reconciliation 2021
On February 10, 2021, the US House Education and Labor Committee, Chaired by Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA), voted to report legislative language to be part of the 2021 Budget Reconciliation bill. Click here for the fact sheet. Click here for the language proposed as a substitute by the Chairman. Section 2104 of the legislative language provides in part that: SEC. [...]
UWC Files Comments on new Black Lung Self Insurance Requirements
On February 5, 2021, UWC filed comments on proposed Black Lung Self Insurance Guidelines. The guidelines that were released on January 4, 2021 by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) describe the agency’s updated process for evaluating self-insurance applications under the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA). The BLBA requires coal mine operators to secure the payment of benefits by [...]
President Biden Orders Development of National Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for COVID
In one of his Executive Orders on January 21st, President Biden ordered the development of federal guidance for Occupational Safety and Health. The order addresses issues that are temporary in response to COVID-19 but also begins to address longer term issues. In particular, Section 2 of the Executive Order provides that within two weeks of the order (February 4, 2021), [...]
President Biden Signs Order Asking USDOL to Consider Refusal of Work Guidance for UI
On January 22, 2021, President Biden signed a series of executive orders, including an order addressing economic relief. This order includes the following provision: Help ensure that unemployed Americans no longer have to choose between paying their bills and keeping themselves and their families safe from COVID-19 by asking the U.S. Department of Labor to consider clarifying that workers who [...]