By Kevin Deutsch
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The state Department of Labor has asked hundreds of substitute teachers, including some from the Bronx, to pay back thousands of dollars in pandemic unemployment benefits.
Several teachers told Bronx Justice News they received letters that legally require them to pay back COVID-19 unemployment benefit funds, which were distributed as part of an expanded benefits program last summer.
But these teachers said they already spent the emergency money on bills, rent, and food. They are now working with the teacher’s union to fight the decision.
A Department of Labor spokesperson told News 12:
“Each claim is unique and there are a number of reasons why a claimant might be required to repay benefits, especially for a brand-new program like Pandemic Unemployment Assistance which was launched in the middle of a global pandemic.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.