LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Another day, another batch of unemployment problems. Gary Smallwood saw our story about a Versailles man who received a 1099 form for unemployment pay he didn't receive. He got the same inflated tax form.
"I've called all the numbers, never received a call back it's not like you're getting to talk to anybody. You're the first person I've talked to and you don't even work there," said Smallwood who received a 1099 form stating he received nearly ten-thousand dollars in benefits.
Smallwood says he received roughly half the amount and that's being generous.
"The only bill I've been able to stay on top of is my rent. I'm a little behind on electric, water and I don't have car insurance right now. My tags are bad on my car. I think that cost 300 dollars to get my tags renewed, I can't get tags unless I have the insurance," said Smallwood.
Unlike Versailles resident Brandon Kidwell, Smallwood doesn't believe fraud is involved in his case. He believes it's a system error, an error he hopes the office of unemployment will help correct.
Justin Puckett of Somerset got worse news. He received a letter from the state saying he must pay back more than $10,000 dollars because of an office error. He said after having his claim "under investigation" for five months, he finally received benefits late last year.
LEX 18 is committed to helping people get answers and their money. The governor's office still encourages everyone to report their problems, including fraud concerns. Anyone who suspects fraud on their 1099 form should email the state at KYOU1099@KY.GOV.
