Unemployment Overpayments
An overpayment is when you collect State or Federal Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits that you are not eligible to receive. Depending on the situation, an overpayment may be determined to be your fault or no fault of your own.
In most cases, overpayments must be paid back even if you have already spent the money and in some cases, a penalty may be applied.
What is an overpayment?
Learn how overpayments are determined, how you’re notified, types of overpayments and more.
How do I appeal an overpayment?
If you disagree with the decision related to your Unemployment claim, you have 15 days from the date of the determination to file an appeal unless you have a qualifying reason for missing the deadline.
How can I request a waiver?
In some circumstances, overpayments may qualify to have some or all of the overpayment amount waived so that you do not owe any money back to us.
How do I pay back my overpayment?
Overpayments can be paid back online, by mail or phone. Payment plans are also available.
Where can I find additional information about overpayments?
To get answers quickly, please review these frequently asked questions before contacting DES.
Where can I get help with my overpayment?
In addition to our comprehensive FAQs, our staff are available to help you understand your overpayment.
Unemployment Insurance Overpayments Navigation Tool
If you received a "Determination of Overpayment Notice", choose the correct path to follow from the following options:
I have been overpaid and I am choosing to pay this back.
Make a payment online, by phone or mail. Payment plans are available.
I may have been overpaid, but I am unable to pay this back.
I do not agree that I was overpaid.
Submit an appeal online, by phone, fax or mail.
or
This wasn’t me and I want to report identity theft fraud.