Unemployment benefits card not activated
Terry –
My son applied for unemployment benefits, was approved and received his pay card. Approximately two weeks after receiving the card, he was rehired by his employer. He never activated the card or reached out to IDES to advise he is back to work. He is unsure if funds are loaded onto the card, if any. Now that he is gainfully employed, he is unsure if he should activate the card and move any funds into savings or keep the card inactive. Will there be any tax or possibly other implications either way?
Thank you for any guidance you can provide.
Terry Says
He should contact IDES (or the state unemployment office if not in Illinois) and certify — but in his certification he should state that he is now earning money. Buthe is entitled to back benefits for the weeks he was out of work.
Now, I recognize that it may be difficult ever to collect this back pay, or to reach the state. But he should make the effort to certify — just in case he becomes unemployed again in the future.
