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Safeguarding Benefits

Performing Data Cross-Checks

Through weekly cross-checking of claims against data that states already have available, such as new hire records and incarceration records, fraud and overpayments can be reduced or eliminated sooner, further preventing abuse in the unemployment system.

Increasing Administrative Accuracy

Other tools can be implemented to strengthen administrative accuracy when determining eligibility for benefits. For example, regular oversight by the legislature and annual program integrity reports are essential to continually improving the program.

Reforming Benefits Duration

Unemployment programs don’t work well when the maximum amount of time benefits can be drawn is too long. Iowa reduced benefit duration from six months to four months, and the results are in: Iowa replenished its trust fund to preserve benefits for those in most need and energized its workforce.

Reducing Unemployment Fraud

Fraud occurs when adequate safeguards are not in place to protect benefits, and many states are behind—some still even need to fully recover from the pandemic, which only made preexisting deficiencies more pronounced. As a matter of sound public policy now and into the future, states can use FGA’s reforms to help detect fraud on the front end and swiftly prosecute fraudsters.

Our Promoting Reemployment and Safeguarding Benefits Experts
Gregg Pfister

Senior Director of State Affairs

Jonathan Ingram

Vice President of Policy and Research

At FGA, we don’t just talk about changing policy—we make it happen.

By partnering with FGA through a gift, you can create more policy change that returns America to a country where entrepreneurship thrives, personal responsibility is rewarded, and paychecks replace welfare checks.