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.
-
research
Iowa’s Unemployment Insurance Reforms Made It the Envy of Its Neighbors
Iowa’s unemployment insurance reforms, like increased work-search requirements and reduced benefit duration, boosted both employment and economy.
READ MORE -
research
Indexing Unemployment Set Kansas on Solid Ground
Kansas set itself up for success by tying unemployment benefit duration to economic conditions, and other states should follow.
READ MORE -
video
Rep. Brian Hill on Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment insurance is a widely useful (if sometimes misunderstood) program. Ultimately, the goal is helping people get back into the workforce, whether through developing a new skill set, identifying the next opportunity, or just temporary aid.
watch video -
commentary
California’s Unemployment Insurance Folly
Hardworking taxpayers across America are already subsidizing California’s unemployment insurance program, and now California lawmakers want to expand unemployment benefits to include striking Hollywood actors and writers.
READ MORE
Our Promoting Reemployment and Safeguarding Benefits Solutions
Our Promoting Reemployment and Safeguarding Benefits Experts
Our Promoting Reemployment and Safeguarding Benefits Research
-
Research
Why States Should Ban Universal Basic Income Schemes
-
Research
Indexing Unemployment Set Kansas on Solid Ground
-
Research
A Dozen States Enact Bipartisan Program Integrity Laws to Protect Unemployment Insurance Programs
-
Research
To Restore Confidence in Unemployment Systems, States Must Pass Commonsense Reforms
-
Research
Planning for Success: How States Can Reform Their Food Stamp Programs and Revive the Workforce
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.