You have to love a government agency that informs you you’ve been lying to them for six years, owe them money, and then gives you a chance to explain yourself by filling out their form.
Your one opportunity comes when the form says: Additional claimant statement:
You have two and a half lines. I’ve added an attachment, being the gabby sort.
For historical purposes only.
I filed for benefits because as an employee of a corporation, thought I was entitled to them, considering money was regularly withheld from my paychecks.
At any time the Employment Department would have informed me I was ineligible to claim benefits, I would have stopped.
I have never intentionally given a false statement to the Employment Department, either on the benefits application, or in answering the questions when claiming benefits.
I continually looked for work, both in 2000 and in 2002, as well as currently, in 2005.
I did not consider myself self-employed, but rather an employee of a corporation, which I had honestly been led to believe by an attorney, was a separate entity from myself.
If at any time the Employment Department literature had made it clearer to me that the owner of a corporation was considered ineligible, if in fact they are, which still appears somewhat in question and is judged, or seems to be judged, on a situation by situation basis, I would not have applied for benefits. But in fact, this glitch in the system seems to have come to light only now.
I am more then willing to exclude myself from any further benefits, but strongly believe that I should not be held liable for the amounts paid to me in the past.
If I in fact made an error, it was in good, honest faith, believing I was entitled to the benefits. I did not lie or intentionally misrepresent myself at any time.
I would also ask that you consider the amount of time that has passed, as ask yourself why this has come up only now.
Also consider, if you will, that I am out of work each and every winter, between the months of December and mid February, and yet have done my best to survive financially without the help of the Employment Department benefits. I have paid into the system diligently, yet withdrawn very little over the years. If anything, I am an asset to the system, rather then a liability. I am sure there are those who are trying to abuse the system, but I assure you, I am not one of them.
I would be more then happy to answer any and all questions, either in person or on the telephone.
I would also like to point out that there is a discrepancy in your own paperwork that you sent to me, with two forms stating a return time of ten days, yet another one saying five days near the bottom.
I’m sorry, but for the average person like myself who is simply trying to survive, the Employment Department can be an overwhelming and confusing place, which I’m sure results in errors by both the unemployed and those in your office.
I’m also sorry if the nature of your job is such that every discrepancy that raises an eyebrow is an immediate cause for suspicion.
Regardless of your decision, you should try to remember, there are still honest people in the world.
Thank you.
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Now I’ll wait for them to send me a bill.