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Unemployment agency says it’s making progress on backlog

The number of people in Michigan who have filed for unemployment benefits without getting paid has grown. That’s according to the agency responsible for processing the claims.
 

The Unemployment Insurance Agency says that’s because there are so many instances of fraud and suspected fraud.

The agency says it’s trying to get payments out to people who have filed legitimate unemployment claims. But it says that effort is hampered by an increase in what appear to be fraudulent claims – mostly possible identity fraud.

The agency says there are roughly 100 thousand claims that fall within that category. There are another 37 thousand claims held up for some other reason.

       There’s been an outcry from jobless people who say they can’t pay their bills while waiting on benefits they’re entitled to.