Benefit Payment Control
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security is committed to maintaining the integrity of the UI program. Benefit Payment Control (BPC) is an aggressive fraud and overpayment program that uses several different detection methods to ensure the appropriateness of unemployment insurance benefits paid. A key detection method is a computerized cross match system which checks benefits paid against wages reported by employers in Mississippi and other states.
When overpayments are determined to have been caused by failure to report earnings, falsifying earning statements, falsifying medical statements, or other fraudulent actions, the Unemployment Insurance Division may assess a time disqualification as well as requiring repayment of benefits. Mississippi may seek criminal prosecution, and an individual may be fined a maximum of $500.00 and/or sentenced to 30 days in jail for each claim filed. Fraud penalties vary depending on the degree of fraud involved.
CAUTION TO CLAIMANTS: REMEMBER YOU ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT ALL WORK AND EARNINGS FOR THE WEEK BEING CLAIMED REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU HAVE BEEN PAID YET OR NOT.
By law, repayment is required for any benefit overpayment detected regardless of whom or what caused the overpayment. Overpayments may be collected by interception of current or future unemployment insurance benefits, or by civil action.
Repayment
You are entitled only to benefits for which you are eligible. You must repay all benefits that are overpaid even if you were paid in error. Overpayments are legally enforceable debts. If an overpayment has been assessed against you, the repayment schedule that should be followed is:
- A minimum payment of $150.00 every thirty (30) days until the debt is satisfied.
For further assistance, you may contact the Benefit Payment Control Department:
Benefit Payment Control
Unemployment Insurance Division
P.O. Box 23089,
Jackson, MS, 39225-3089
Fax: (601) 321-6471, or email
