I'm collecting unemployment in Michigan but received payment for work from a business in Florida, is that bad?

Question

I've been unemployed since April 2008 but have performed some freelance design work after having signed a 10-99 tax form for a company based in Florida. As I understand it, receiving compensation for work while collecting benefits is regarded by the Michigan UIA (Unemployment Insurance Agency) as fraudulent.

Do earnings from outside of the state in which a person collects unemployment get reported to the state the person lives in? Should I worry about the income I earned in FL getting reported to the Michigan UIA?

It was not my intent to defraud the UIA, I simply was not educated on this fact when I accepted the work.

Answer 1

THE ANSWERS TO ALL OF THE ABOVE RAE "YES." SORRY. IF YOU DON'T REPORT THEM, YOU CAN BE CHARGED. IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE AND EXPLANATION, BUT NOT AN EXCUSABLE DEFENSE.

Answer 2

You must report the Florida income as soon as possible via MARVIN or in person at your local UIA office.

Before you report the additional income, read Page 7 of the UIA 1901 booklet accessible from the address below.  It will help you understand if you should have received benefits for the weeks of income in Florida. It also lists the penalties you may incur if you do not report the additional income.

You may also download this form as a pdf file.

Answer 3

Yep I'd say it is illegal and what would happen if they found out they would make you pay back all the money that they gave you unless your getting paid under the table for the work your doing now?

Answer 4

No.  What's bad is your telling someone.  You worked for it. It's yours.  Better that you have it instead of some who never hit a l**k at anything in their life.  

Answer 5

It doesn't matter where you live or work, I live in New England and when I was laid off I was working at home but my company and paychecks came from Florida I still had to report those earnings.  You need to inform them of any income. You are allowed SOME income legally but not much.  

Answer 6

it does not matter where the money comes from it is YOUR income and you are committing fraud. get off the dole and get a d**n job

Answer 7

They don't care if you didn't know the laws. I would tell them about it before they find out.