Politics & Government

'Triple Dipping' Unemployment Opposed by Emrick

House Bill 421 would prevent workers from collecting unemployment if they quit a job to prevent losing pension benefits.

State Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Northampton) joined his House colleagues in unanimous support for House Bill 421, legislation that prevents state workers from collecting unemployment benefits through "triple dipping."

The bill will now be taken up by the state Senate.

"We already have an unemployment compensation system that is just now returning to solvency thanks to legislation passed last session," said Emrick, who represents Palmer and Forks townships.

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"This bill addresses a loophole that has allowed Commonwealth employees to collect benefits unjustly and ensures that unemployment compensation support is going to individuals who truly need and deserve it," he said.

Situations have arisen where state employees who have retired and are collecting a pension are called back to work on a temporary basis, as is the case in many areas of employment. Current law prevents these employees from maintaining their health care benefits if they then work more than 95 days.

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"These individuals are quitting after 95 days and applying for unemployment compensation," added Emrick. "House Bill 421 does away with this practice by prohibiting eligibility for benefits for anyone in any line of work who voluntarily leaves employment to prevent a reduction in his or her pension benefits.”

Since 2010, more than 600 applications for unemployment compensation have been filed by Commonwealth employees following retirement and subsequent rehiring. Approximately $2.8 million in benefits have been paid out to these individuals.

Questions about this or any other legislative topic should be directed to Emrick’s Mt. Bethel office at (570) 897-0401 or his Nazareth office at (610)746-5090.


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