OAR 471-030-0320: Recovery by Offset of Overpaid Benefits and Recovery Periods

(1) The effective date of this rule is June 23, 2024. (2) This rule addresses the percentage of future weekly benefits that may be offset pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 657.215, 657.310, and ORS 657.315. (3) OED shall offset 100% of the benefits payable for each week claimed when the overpayment is due to misrepresentation under ORS 657.215. (4) Effective June 23, 2024, OED shall offset 100% of the benefits payable for each week claimed when the overpayment is determined not liable for penalty under ORS 657.310(2)(a) except: (a) If an individual meets the requirement for a waiver under OAR 471-030-0053 the overpayment is cancelled. (b) If an individual's request for waiver submitted under OAR 471-030-0053 cannot be canceled under OAR 471-030-0053(3) and has reported wages in the last 4 quarters that are more than 200% of the federal poverty level for a family of four but less than 300% of the federal poverty level for a family of four, the department shall offset 50% of the benefits payable for each week claimed for a period of six (6) months. After six (6) months, the offset will be at 100%. (c) When the overpayment is the result of back pay as described in OAR 471-030-0017, the department shall offset 50% of the benefits payable for each week claimed. (5) Effective June 23, 2024, OED shall offset 50% of the benefits payable for each week claimed when the overpayment is determined to have been paid erroneously under ORS 657.315 including when the overpayment is the result of back pay as described in OAR 471-030-0017, except: (a) If an individual meets the requirement for a waiver under OAR 471-030-0053 the overpayment is cancelled. (b) If an individual's request for waiver submitted under OAR 471-030-0053 cannot be canceled under OAR 471-030-0053(3) and has reported wages in the last 4 quarters that are more than 300% of the federal poverty level for a family of four but less than 400% of the federal poverty level for a family of four, the department shall offset 0% of the benefits payable for each week claimed for a period of six (6) months. After six (6) months, the offset will be at 50%. (6) OED will reconsider at any time the offset requirements provided in sections (4) and (5) of this rule if the individual's financial situation changes and the individual: (a) Submits a new request for waiver; and (b) Submits a statement explaining the change in their financial situation. (7) Offsetting overpaid benefits, as described in sections (4) and (5) of this rule, is limited to the five years following the week in which the decision establishing an overpayment became final. When a decision is issued under ORS 657.306 the five years begins immediately following the week the decision establishing an overpayment became final.