Pennsylvania workers who claimed unemployment benefits in 2020 will soon receive a 1099 form that is required to file their taxes, according to Pa. Dept. of Labor & Industry (L&I) Acting Secretary Jennifer Berrier.

Berrier says many workers filed for unemployment for the first time in 2020 and may be unaware of the importance of the 1099 form. 

Claimants of all unemployment programs offered during 2020 receive a 1099 tax form detailing their benefit payments. This form will soon be viewable on the online system where claimants file their weekly claims.

Claimants who have requested the 1099 tax form to be mailed should receive it no later than January 31, 2021.

All claimants also have the option to view 1099 tax forms from previous years, if applicable.

Additionally, L&I officials say if you receive a 1099 form in the mail, but did not file for unemployment compensation (UC), it could be a case of identity fraud and should be reported to law enforcement immediately. 

“L&I is continuing to work with law enforcement partners to identify cases of unemployment fraud, including cases where the victim may not be aware their identity was stolen and used to apply for benefits,” said Berrier. “As a reminder, L&I will never contact you and ask for personal information such as your username, password or full Social Security number, so please do not provide it. And if you believe you are the victim of identity theft, please make us aware so we can take steps to prevent issues in areas such as income tax.”

How to report fraudulent activity regarding Pennsylvania’s UC benefits:

  • Online
    • Identity theft - If you suspect or know that someone is using your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, or date of birth without your knowledge or consent to file for UC benefits, complete and submit the Identity Theft Form.

  • Unemployment claims fraud - If you know of individuals who are collecting UC benefits illegally, including people who are working and not reporting their wages for PA UC benefit purposes; or people who cannot work due to an illness, disability or incarceration, complete and submit the Unemployment Claims Fraud Form.

  • Phone
    • Pa. Fraud Hotline – 1-800-692-7469

  • Police
    • File a police report with the municipality you resided in at the time the unemployment benefits in question were paid. A copy of the police report must be provided to the Office of Unemployment Compensation. 

If you are a victim of identity theft you may also report it to the Federal Trade Commission and start a recovery plan at https://www.identitytheft.gov/.

For more information on identifying fraud, what to do if you believe you have been a victim of fraud, or how to report fraud, visit L&I’s website.