Benefits, tax refunds, and the policy news that affects your wallet

Unemployment

DC Unemployment Fraud Case: $1M Scheme Used Stolen Identities and ATM Cards

A lawful permanent resident has pleaded guilty in Washington, D.C. federal court to conspiring in a scheme that used stolen identities to pull more than $550,000 out of the unemployment insurance system, with prosecutors tying $1 million in total losses to the conspiracy. The scheme, in plain terms Karin L. Contreras, 45, a Dominican Republic […]

policy

Virginia Unemployment Benefits Increase to $478/Week — But Only for New Claims

Virginia’s maximum weekly unemployment benefit jumped from $430 to $478 starting July 5, 2026, under new legislation signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger. The minimum weekly benefit rose too, from $112 to $160 — but there’s a catch that trips up a lot of claimants: the higher amount only applies to brand-new claims, not existing ones. […]

policy

Arizona’s Unemployment Rate Hits 5-Year High While the National Rate Falls

Arizona’s unemployment rate rose to 4.9% in June 2026, up from 4.8% in May — the highest level the state has seen in five years. That divergence stands out because it moved in the opposite direction of the national trend: the U.S. unemployment rate actually fell over the same month, dropping to 4.2% from 4.3%. […]

policy

Michigan Expands Work Share Program to 60% Hour Reductions Starting July 19

Michigan employers can now cut employee hours by as much as 60% under an expanded Work Share program that took effect July 19, 2026 — up from a previous cap of 45%. The change is part of a broader package of unemployment law updates that also loosened financial hardship waiver rules and sped up the […]