If you receive benefits to which you are not entitled, you will be required to repay them, along with any costs, fees, and interest associated with collection.

Q: What is an overpayment?

A: An overpayment means unemployment benefits paid to and received by you to which you were not entitled. This includes amounts paid while an appeal by your former employer is pending prior to a decision being rendered against you, and amounts paid because you did not notify us of information that would have reduced or eliminated your benefit payment.

Q: How do I repay an overpayment?

A: Repayment must be made in full.  If you are unable to repay the full amount in one payment, you immediately must contact the Benefit Payment Control Unit, (804) 786-8593, to arrange a repayment installment plan.  Repayment of an overpayment may affect the amount of benefits on which you are required to pay taxes.  See the Internal Revenue Service for further instructions and information.

Q: What if I fail to repay the overpayment?

A: If the overpayment is not repaid in full before you claim future benefits, a deduction (offset) will be made from those future benefits. The VEC also will use other methods to collect the money owed, including collection agencies, the Credit Bureau, wage garnishment, attachment of bank accounts, seizing of income tax refunds, and levy and sale of personal property.  The costs of collection, including administrative costs, attorney’s fees, late penalty, and interest can also be charged to you.