GUARD Act: Enhancing Unemployment Benefits Security and Combating Fraud
This act aims to improve unemployment programs, making them fairer and more accountable. It focuses on recovering funds lost to fraud during the pandemic and preventing future fraudulent claims. Citizens can expect better support for identity theft victims and increased transparency in the benefits system.
Key points
Support for Identity Theft Victims: States must establish a dedicated contact point for individuals whose identities were used to fraudulently claim unemployment benefits, ensuring prompt communication and coordination.
Enhanced Fraud Prevention: States will be required to participate in information-sharing systems to more effectively detect and prevent fraudulent claims, including cross-referencing claimant data across various databases.
Improved Program Integrity and Access: A portion of recovered fraudulent payments and penalties can be used to enhance technology, improve access to unemployment programs, and fund reemployment services.
New Standards for State Agencies: The act introduces performance standards for states, focusing on equity, timeliness, and accessibility of benefits, including for individuals with limited English proficiency or disabilities. States will be rewarded for excellent performance.
Equity Analysis: States will be required to analyze data on benefit access based on race and ethnicity to ensure fair treatment for all citizens. Corrective action plans will be mandated if disparities are found.
Expired
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