The CNMI Department of Labor (CNMI DOL) through its Benefits Payment Control (BPC) Unit announced on Tuesday that it has collected $108,522.46 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) overpayments from ineligible CNMI-Only Transitional Workers (CW-1).
To date, 59 out of 75 identified individuals have returned PUA/FPUC benefit payments.
Overpayments Process: Claimants may call tel. 322-9943/9944 or email bpc.cnmidol@gmail.com to report fraud/overpayment. The BPC Unit will compile the information and has proven that the claimant has been overpaid, a scheduled appointment will be made with the claimant to arrange a repayment plan.
Program Integrity: Under federal guidance set forth by the US Department of Labor CNMI DOL plays a fundamental role in ensuring the integrity of the PUA/FPUC programs in the Marianas. Any individual who receives benefits payments as a result of an error (intentional or unintentional) will be contacted by the department to return those payments.
Over the last several months, the CNMI Government has continued to work with non-profit organizations to provide humanitarian relief for CW workers, as well as residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CNMI Government will continue to support non-profit work and humanitarian relief moving forward.
The Office of the Governor is monitoring federal legislation in Washington, DC, which would enact a second stimulus check for all taxpayers in the CNMI. Updates on this will be provided by the Office of the Governor and the Department of Finance.
CNMI DOL continues its work in expediting the adjudication and disbursement of PUA and FPUC claims for eligible applicants. The department thanks the community’s patience and will provide updates on the progress of these claims.
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