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Grand Rapids man’s unemployment debt cleared after Problem Solver inquiry

Posted at 6:58 PM, Jun 08, 2015
and last updated 2015-06-08 19:02:43-04

Grand Rapids, Mich. -- The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency fined Jeremy Humphrey $5,000. His situation is complex. However, the long and short of it is, he said he doesn't owe it.

The Grand Rapids man said he hasn't spoken with anyone from the agency since last fall.

Humphrey commented on Facebook on one of the many stories the FOX 17 Problem Solvers covered on the persistent unemployment issues. After reaching out to him, the Problem Solvers sent another list of people's basic contact information to the UIA -- name, address, and phone number. Last Monday, the UIA confirmed receiving it.

Friday, Humphrey said he got a phone call from a UIA representative, and he later checked his online unemployment account (MiWAM). He said the alleged overpayment, fines and interest has been zeroed out.

"You were the inquiry because I haven't talked to them. You ever try to get a hold of unemployment? You can't," he said.

He added, "You helped. You guys helped. There's no doubt about it. You can ask anyone in my family. I didn't know what to do. You came in. The next things I know, I don't owe them anything. So whatever you did I'm thankful for you man. That's all I know."

This is just one case. There are still hundreds of people in need of help. If you haven't done so already, you can also call the Sugar Law Center at 313-993-4505.

The law firm also encourages anyone who has already had an outcome (positive or negative) to reach out and tell of their experience.

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