IDES battles fraud
Programs aim to create jobs, strengthen economy
Comments (...)CHICAGO — Garnishing tax returns of people wrongfully collecting unemployment insurance benefits is among the initiatives to increase tax fairness and reduce operating costs for businesses, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced.
The programs are part of Gov. Pat Quinn’s plan to improve the state’s climate for job creation and strengthen the Illinois economy.
“Protecting taxpayer dollars is our top priority at the Illinois Department of Employment Security. These anti-fraud measures will save businesses millions of dollars in taxes over the long term,” IDES Director Jay Rowell said. “This is just one part of our new IDES plan which is focused on safeguarding taxpayer dollars and getting people back to work.”
Thwarting scammers from collecting unemployment benefits when they already have a job will save $40 million each year. Additionally, IDES will seek to garnish federal tax returns to recover $158 million from individuals who refused to enter into a payment plan.
More than $1 million already has been collected when individuals were notified that their returns would be garnished. The programs are part of Gov. Quinn’s bi-partisan reforms that are expected to save businesses more than $400 million, provide 16 percent unemployment insurance tax reductions for companies that did not lay off workers and punish those that defraud the unemployment insurance program.
Unemployment insurance benefits are funded through business contributions. Preventing fraud and recovering improper payments protects taxpayer dollars and reduces the cost of doing business, which creates a climate more conducive to hiring.
IDES offices to close for holidays
The offices of the Illinois Department of Employment Security will be closed on Monday, Feb. 13 and Monday Feb. 20 in observance of state and federal holidays.
Feb. 13 is a state holiday honoring President Abraham Lincoln. Feb. 20 is a federal and state holiday honoring President George Washington. It also is referred to as Presidents’ Day. Offices will re-open Tuesday, Feb. 14 and Tuesday, Feb. 21, respectively. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Although IDES offices will be closed, services will remain available online at www.ides.illinois.gov. Individuals will be able to file for first-time unemployment benefits, certify for benefits which is necessary to receive payment, and switch that method of payment to direct deposit. Because Feb. 20 is a federal banking holiday, the availability of some benefit payments might be delayed. The IDES does not determine federal banking holidays.
IDES customers also can use the website to manage their benefit payments. For benefit payments, the Department encourages direct deposit. Direct deposit is a simple, smart and secure way to receive benefits. Debit cards also are available. There are no fees associated with a debit card at point-of-service counters that accept MasterCard.
Career planning, training and job placement assistance also is available at the website. The services encourage individuals to assess their current skills and identify the training or education needed to augment those skills so they can find meaningful work. The Department also administers tax credits and bonding programs that reward employers who hire specific workers, such as military Veterans and the formerly incarcerated. The Department hosts workshops to help employers better understand how insurance claims are evaluated, what is required to successfully challenge a claim, and other services to help businesses evaluate current and future growth potential.
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