State federal workers to return unemployment benefits

Any federal employees in our state who received unemployment benefits during the government shutdown are now being asked to return the money, according to the Seattle Times.

That's because they will soon be getting back pay for their missed checks following a vote in Congress.

According to the Times, the state is looking to recoup about $500,000 from some 900 federal employees from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and other federal jobs.

A spokesman for the state Employment Security Department tells the newspaper that his office is working with various federal agencies to get the money withheld from workers' next paycheck.

If they are unable to do that, the Times says state officials will go to individuals to ask for the money back.

Other states, such as Oregon, have laws that allow federal workers to keep unemployment benefits they receive during furloughs on top of back pay.

Washington state law does not allow it.

To read the complete article from the Seattle Times, click here.