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April 26, 2024 Clear | 55°F
The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Section 29F: Uncollected overissuance of food stamp coupons; disclosure; deductions

Section 29F. (a) An individual filing a new initial claim for unemployment benefits shall, at the time of filing such claim, disclose whether or not he owes an uncollected overissuance of food stamp coupons, as defined in section 13 (c) (1) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977. The commissioner shall notify the state food stamp agency enforcing such obligation of an individual who discloses that he owes an uncollected overissuance of food stamp coupons and who is determined to be eligible for unemployment benefits.

(b) The commissioner shall deduct and withhold from any unemployment benefits payable to an individual who owes an uncollected overissuance of food stamps:

(1) the amount specified by the individual to the commissioner to be deducted and withheld under this clause;

(2) the amount, if any, determined pursuant to an agreement submitted to the state food stamp agency under section 13 (c) (3) (A) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977; or

(3) any amount otherwise required to be deducted and withheld from unemployment compensation pursuant to section 13 (c) (3) (B) of said Food Stamp Act.

(c) Any amount deducted and withheld under this section shall be paid by the commissioner to the appropriate state food stamp agency.

(d) Any amount deducted and withheld under subsection (b) shall for all purposes be treated as if it were paid to the individual as unemployment benefits and paid by such individual to the state food stamp agency as repayment of the individual's uncollected overissuance.

(e) For the purposes of this section, the term ''unemployment benefits'' shall mean benefits payable under this chapter, including amounts payable by the commissioner pursuant to an agreement under any federal law providing for compensation, assistance or allowances with respect to unemployment.

(f) This section shall apply only if arrangements have been made for reimbursement by the state food stamp agency, so-called, for the administrative costs incurred by the commissioner under this section which are attributable to the repayment of uncollected overissuance to said state food stamp agency.