Overpayments of unemployment insurance benefits

[coopermini2008]

I reside in Baltimore, MD

Almost a yr ago I was fired for something that I was accused of doing which I did not do. I filed for unemployment benefits and was approved because my employer did not respond within a certain timeframe and I was approved. A few months later I find out that T-Mobile, my previous employer had filed a dispute which put a halt to my benefits payments. Now I am employed and required to pay the money back but I just don't have the funds to do so at this time. I can barely pay for my monthly expenses and often at times need to rely on my credit cards and parents to make ends meet. I had a lawyer file a dispute indicating that I do not have the funds to pay back the UI money they say I now owe. What are my options? Should I wait till they send my file over to a collection agency and file for a settlement? I would appreciate any advice here. Thanks.

 

[swalsh411]

You story isn't entirely clear. Were you ordered to pay back the benefits you received after leaving T-Mobile but never did? Did you qualify for benefits after leaving T-Mobile but then were disqualified for future benefits for some reason? Are you being told you need to pay back ALL benefits you received? What was the issue in the T-Mobile appeal and why did it result in you being disqualified for benefits? Please clarify.

 

[coopermini2008]

At first I was qualified, spoke to the claims agent and benefits were paid out to me. I was later disqualified bc T-Mobile turned around and said I was let go for doing something that I didn't do. What had happened was I had sent a text message to a person I thought was a close friend in the company about clocking me in when I was running late for work. The text message was sent as a joke, we always sent text messages like that to each other as a private joke between the 2 of us... never intended on him actually clocking me in since he didn't have the codes to clock me in. Apparently he showed my boss the message-this time and I was pulled in by my manager and the HR rep after 5 days and I was terminated bc of the message. I realize what I did was stupid but I had no ill-will. I sent it basically as a joke, nothing more and nothing less.

Since I've found my new work I have been paying people back from monies I borrowed while I was unemployeed. Long story short, I was granted u/e ins benefit and started receiving for about 6 months b4 TMO decided to file a dispute and disqualified me from benefits bc they had the txt msg that I sent to the person who I thought was a close friend at the time. I received a letter from u/e insurance that bc I was disqualified I had to pay all the money that I was granted at that time. Due to my current living expenses and situations I am unable to pay that money back.

What should I do? I'm certain my options are limited but I need to know the best ave or course to take. Thanks for any advice.

 

[swalsh411]

Did the paperwork you received give you any kind of appeal rights? Or a chance to ask for hardship exception so you don't have to repay the overpayment? Some states have this; not sure about SC off hand.