Daughter lost job

[Horse with no Name]

My daughter lost her job in November. She has repeatedly tried to file unemployment but couldn’t access her online account and couldn’t get an appointment until today.
Apparently the reason she couldn’t access her account was because someone took it.
She has lost her ID and SS card a year ago and apparently someone has received $50,000 in unemployment benefits.
What’s the best way to undo this mess?

[flying_wahini]

1. Get an attorney that specializes in fraud.

[a kennedy]

2. Damn Horse......yah, sounds like ya need an attorney. 50,000?????

[Horse with no Name]

10. I know right?

She sent me the paperwork because I thought that was a lot.

[panader0]

3. Tell the attorney to take a cut of the $50 G's as payment.

[LisaL]

18. How would that work?

OP doesn't have 50 k, they were paid to somebody.

[FakeNoose]

4. It helps if she has her old pay stubs or copy of a paycheck

Does she have anything like a debit or credit card? They're sometimes accepted as ID, if they've been signed. If your daughter owns a car she probably has vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Those documents might be accepted for ID. Her former employer might be able to help if she needs to prove her right to file for unemployment benefits.

Good luck

[Horse with no Name]

11. She was working when the claim was filed

They started receiving benefits while she was employed.
I know it’s going to be a huge mess.

[alphafemale]

5. How terrible!

And a lesson to everyone that you need to report a lost ID right away.

I hope she is ale to get it straightened out.

$50K sounds like a lot from unemployment over just a few months.

[Horse with no Name]

12. I think it is for the last year

She doesn’t have really specific information. She has never filed for unemployment before. This is what she received

[csziggy]

19. How did they pay out $50,000?

There are 27 weeks between Sept. 27, 2020, and today. $207 a week x 27 weeks - $5589.

There is something very screwy about this. She needs to report it as a fraud case, but I agree, it might take an attorney to help protect her interests.

[Horse with no Name]

20. I know

She has never filed for unemployment before.
There were weeks where they got $600 extra and $300 extra, but not sure how that would factor out.
It is already making my head hurt because her tax return has been held up and she didn’t know why but I expect because there is $50k worth of unpaid taxes on it.

[alphafemale]

21. Especially since the IRS may see it as her INCOME since it is using her SS number.

I doubt the filthy ID thieves were taking out taxes like I arranged for the few weeks I took unemployment.

Again, best of luck or the work of a skilled attorney to you.

[SharonClark]

6. Did she report the loss of the SS card and

ID when it happened? What does the unemployment office say her options are since they made payment to the thief.

[Horse with no Name]

13. She did

They gave her another card.

[MissB]

7. This is such a common thing right now.

There is a process.

File a report at FTC for identity theft. Google up your state unemployment website and search for unemployment scam - literally lots of people everywhere across the US are finding this. Your state will have a process.

I found out through my HR department, who emailed me that someone had filed for benefits on my behalf. Their process was to file a report at the state unemployment, file a report at FTC, and then consider locking down credit at one of the three credit bureaus. Pretty sure FTC’s website had a list to follow too.

Best of luck!

[Horse with no Name]

15. Thank you!

This is helpful!

[macwriter]

8. My daughter had a problem with unemployment as well

Not the same, but her claim was closed and she couldn't get it reopened.

Here's what worked for her. She was advised to contact her state senator -- not federal representative. We don't think about them much, but these state reps are there to help in these situations. I called and the senator's chief of staff answered. It was early in the morning and I have found that in these offices the people in charge get to the office early.

To make a long story short, she had me email her with an explanation of the problem. She responded in less than an hour saying she was going to follow up. Over the next 3 weeks I kept getting updates and today I got an email saying the issue was resolved. When my daughter checked her account, the money was deposited. From what I heard, these government offices sit up and pay attention when a politician gets involved.

Try it. Hope it helps.

[Horse with no Name]

16. Well we live in Texas

So doubtful they will be much help. We can give it a shot.
Thanks!

[Indykatie]

9. Does the State UI Department Have Record of Her Contacts With them About the Problem?

I don't see why it's up to your daughter to hire legal representation rather than the State pursuing the investigation and resolution.

[Horse with no Name]

14. Due to Covid, the offices have been closed except

By appointments. They kept telling her to file online but she couldn’t get into an online account with her information.

[macwriter]

17. you would think so

But from my experience they are unresponsive. I spent hours on hold and when I got someone they couldn't answer the most basic questions. I spoke to 5 different people at unemployment and it got me nowhere. I was finally told that most state unemployment offices are so over run with claims that they have had to hire untrained temps to handle calls and inquiries.