Does anyone know if we have to report the bonus check to unemployment?
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I was disqualified for a YEAR when I forgot(on purpose) to put in my last bonus. They have access to all of your taxable compensation, even though you provide it. (??? why even make you provide it???) there's no disqualified for a week in my state. It takes a week to get one simple question answered and that's after a 4 hour wait on the phone to get a representative. It took a few weeks just to get them to get the info straight that I was laid off and not fired (NO UI). I had to call them just for that. It's as if they do their best to not have to pay you. This office makes Chevron seem like they have a well-oiled machine! Good luck, guys & gals, it's no cakewalk!!
@2adz, do us all a favor then... you report your CIP bonus on the "up-and-up", then come back here to this thread to let us know what happened. Likewise, anyone who decides not to report the CIP should come back here and tell us if there were any repercussions. I bet they don't even care.
@2knd - I suspect that declaring it as payment for wages I had earned won't affect any payments. I declared my severance and answered the questions honestly and it didn't affect anything. At worst I will be disqualified for a week, which will just extend my eligibility for another week. I personally feel better doing things on the up-and-up, but that's just me. My comment was mainly directed at those posters who claimed (rather condescendingly) that they didn't ask about additional payments from your employer were mistaken.
Will the TWC catch income you don't report? I don't know. They did initially claim that I hadn't registered to look for work in my home state, and I had to FAX them proof that I had, so they do check some things. Crosschecking income can be easily automated, so it would be quite easy to catch, but this is the Texas state government we're talking about.
Do as you wish, @1aci. I prefer to put the burden on the TWC to find out and later ask me about that CIP payment. I'm quite confident the TWC is inundated with too much paperwork just processing new applicants to care or even notice this one-time payment. Bank it and forget it.
Well there is this question, which you have to answer each time you request payment:
"Did you receive other income from any of the sources below that you have not already reported to TWC such as Retirement or disability pension, Workers' Compensation, or Additional payment, such as severance pay or wages instead of providing advance notice of separation?
If Yes, check all that apply:
Retirement or disability pension:
Workers' Compensation:
Additional payment when you left your job other than wages you had earned:"
So, it would seem that CIP would qualify as an additional payment, but is it a payment of wages that we already earned? I think that's really the issue. I would argue that it is wages that we had already earned, but I have not idea if the TWC would agree with that interpretation. So yes on the first and no on the three subquestions seems reasonable. Will that disqualify my for that week? I guess I'll find out next time I request payment.
No lie taking place here. The questions asked on the TWC site when you apply for weekly benefits only refer to whether you worked or were offered employment and whether you went to school. It does not ask about any other form of payment received. The CIP bonus is not reportable. Is that understood?
Lie if you wish on an official document at your own risk. I lie all the time, just like a typical liberal democrat parasite sponge.
@uze, please check your facts. When I applied for unemployment benefits in Texas, I did so the day after being off the payroll. I didn't get my severance payment from Chevron until weeks into my unemployment payments. Although I did answer the TWC truthfully and reported I will be getting a severance check from Chevron, my benefits continue coming in undeminished and without delay. Like I said, there's no need need to report the CIP Bonus to anyone. Bank it and forget it.
One screw up and you will be denied for a year. I know someone it happened to. It's like dealing with the DMV and they are judge and jury. Don't make any mistakes. I'm pretty sure a Bonus falls under the category of "wages, tips and compensation" that they ask about then you need to swear that you didn't lie about 100 times during the questionnaire. The REA program in my state is designed to reduce claims, therefore those people are no longer officially "Unemployed" and the stats look good. A large amount don't attend the mandatory sessions because it's such a hassle. Imagine that! A politically funded by grant program designed to cook books when a democrat is in the white house. Well, mathematically, if the funding saves UE money then maybe it's revenue neutral.
I would say YES, you are required to report all income. On the other hand, you could continue to follow THE CHEVRON WAY and lie!!
It will depend on the state that you file in. If you are an expat, you are a California employee and will need to file there, no matter where your home base is. California is very employee friendly, and there were 2 California Supreme Court decisions that addressed this issue. The first was about severance in a lump sum, and the second was for severance paid out in monthly installments for a year. Both cases were decided in favor of the employee, and severance cannot be used as a reason to deny benefits, even if that severance is paid out over a long period of time.
Perfect @yxm you rock
Thank you both.
Yes. Unless you would like to lie to them at your own peril. Suggest you report all earnings as instructed on the form. It does not reduce your compensation, only affects the delay. Do not risk the repercussions. They are real. Been there, done that.
Please refer to the thread posted not long ago; Post ID: @Gfde5Kz. Bottom line is "no", there's no need to report your CIP bonus to the unemployment office. You only report wages, such as part time & full time job pay, tips, etc.