(WWJ) -- If you’re a Michigander who has been on pandemic-related unemployment, you may want to check your account.
Upwards of 650,000 Michigan residents are receiving letters from the state stating that they have to re-qualify for federal pandemic unemployment benefits, or risk having to pay the money back.
The state learned that some reasons for unemployment eligibility that were approved several months ago were incorrect. Now, the department will determine if those benefits will need to be repaid.
The situation comes as the Unemployment Insurance Agency says the federal government is becoming "more prescriptive,” after previously allowing states to have more flexibility with allocating benefits.
Unemployment Michigan residents who are qualified have been receiving an additional $300 a week in federal aid, as well as the maximum state benefits of $362.
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Meanwhile, one state lawmaker is calling for an in-depth investigation into the situation.
Representative Steven Johnson, who chairs the House Oversight Committee in Michigan, tells WWJ’s Charlie Langton that the UIA has had a “pattern of incompetence.”
“It’s unacceptable,” Johnson said. “If the state screws up, they shouldn’t ask the people of Michigan to fix the screw-up for them. The state has to take responsibility for this.”
Johnson says the state of Michigan has known about this error since February, and it failed to follow federal unemployment guidelines.
Rachael Kohl, an attorney with the Workers' Rights Clinic, says many people who are receiving the letters are already back to work.
An investigation into the matter is being planned by the House Oversight Committee.