$2.6M Grant Received by Michigan Unemployment Agency to Combat Fraud

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has been allotted $2.6 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to combat fraud across the state. The funds, obtained through the American Rescue Plan Act, will pay for 30 new temporary workers in the agency’s fraud and investigations division. These employees, many of whom have previous experience in the agency, will work to resolve claims stemming from identity theft during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group will augment the efforts of nearly 50 temporary workers in the same division until at least September 2024. Our agency has no tolerance for fraud. We are committed to ensuring the integrity of Michigan’s unemployment insurance program, said director Julia Dale. The agency reported that out of 162 people charged with fraud or identity theft since the pandemic, 90 have been convicted, resulting in a recovery of more than $90 million.