HB600:

Unemployment compensation; continuation of benefits, repayment of overpayments.

Bill Summary:

Unemployment compensation; continuation of benefits; repayment of overpayments. Makes permanent provisions of the Code currently set to expire on July 1, 2022, relating to unemployment compensation. The bill provides that when a claimant has had a determination of initial eligibility for unemployment benefits, as determined by the issuance of compensation or waiting-week credit, payments shall continue, subject to a presumption of continued eligibility, until a determination is made that provides the claimant notice and an opportunity to be heard.

The bill also makes permanent provisions of the Code that require the Virginia Employment Commission to waive the obligation to repay any overpayment if (i) the overpayment was made without fault on the part of the individual receiving benefits and (ii) requiring repayment would be contrary to equity and good conscience. Conditions for when overpayments are considered "without fault on the part of the individual" are outlined in the bill.

The bill further provides that the Commission shall notify each person with an unpaid overpayment of benefits that he may be entitled to a waiver of repayment and provide 30 days to request such a waiver. This applies to outstanding overpayments established for claim weeks commencing on or after March 15, 2020. The bill allows the Commission to suspend or forgo referring any overpayment established since March 15, 2020, to the collections process indefinitely. All costs that result from implementing provisions of this bill shall be incurred by the Unemployment Compensation Fund.