09/13/2022: Correspondence regarding proof of identityCorrespondence has recently been mailed to some former unemployment claimants regarding proof of identity. No action is needed if you are not currently filing for unemployment. Show
However, if you received this letter and file for unemployment insurance in the future, you will be required to provide proof of ID at that time. Please contact us at 1-800-593-7660 if you have any questions. MDOL regrets any confusion caused by the correspondence. The Bureau of Unemployment Compensation contributes to economic stability by providing temporary employer-funded benefits to eligible individuals while they seek re-employment. We operate an accessible, integrity-driven program in a timely and accurate manner. The Department of Unemployment Assistance's (DUA) top priority is to protect unemployment claimants and make sure money disbursed through the system is going to valid unemployment claims. Criminal enterprises using stolen personal information from earlier national data breaches have been attempting to file fraudulent unemployment claims through the DUA system. This is part of a national unemployment fraud scheme. If you believe someone has applied for unemployment benefits using your personal information, use our secure fraud reporting form to alert us or call the DUA customer service department at (877) 626-6800. Upon review of your Fraud Reporting Form submission, DUA’s Program Integrity team will make note of the submission on the claim filed in your name and lock the claim, which will cease activity on that claim. In addition, this information will be provided to law enforcement as part of their investigation of the national unemployment fraud scheme. The DUA Program Integrity team will process the reported fraud to ensure that if any payments were made, they are not recognized as income to you and are not reported to the IRS on Form 1099-G at the end of the calendar year for tax purposes. If you have already received a 1099-G related to this fraudulent claim, we will review your request and send you a corrected Form 1099-G. In addition, the fraudulent claim will not impact your ability to collect unemployment should you need to in the future and no charges will be assessed to your employer (if applicable). Note: The IRS has issued guidance to taxpayers on identity theft involving unemployment benefits. If you are an employer who wishes to report fraud, please email . If you believe you are a victim of fraudIf you believe your identity has been stolen and a fraudulent unemployment claim has been filed on your behalf, here's some steps you can take to protect yourself:
Identifying unemployment scamsDUA takes fraudulent claims seriously and we are working closely with state and federal law enforcement agencies. We want to assure you that there is no evidence of a state data breach. Protecting claimants' information is our top priority. You may receive communications about a fraudulent claim from DUA by text message, email, or letter. Here's some common unemployment scam techniques to watch out for: Asking you to pay a fee
Be aware of false websites Check the web address of sites you are on. Some try to mimic official Massachusetts sites with similar names.
Emails and text messages
Helpful links
What number can I call to speak to an EDD representative?To contact a DI representative, use the DI Automated Phone Information System: English: 1-800-480-3287. Spanish: 1-866-658-8846. California Relay Service (711): Provide the DI number (1-800-480-3287) to the operator.
How do I talk to a live person at EDD Disability?To contact a representative or to use the State Employee Automated Phone Service:. Nonindustrial Disability Insurance: 1-866-758-9768.. Disability Insurance for State Employees: 1-866-352-7675.. Paid Family Leave for State Employees: 1-877-945-4747.. California Relay Service: Call 711.. How do I contact the California unemployment office?Note: If you are getting a phone call from the EDD, your caller ID may show “St of CA EDD” or the UI Customer Service number 1-800-300-5616.
Does EDD ever answer the phone?They operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PDT. Best times to call seem to be around 10:15 a.m. or between 6 or 7 p.m. To reach an EDD representative about an existing claim, try pressing 1 during the first recording, then press 2, then press 4. If you get disconnected, call back.
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