Thousands of unemployed affected by computer glitch

BOSTON -- Times just got tougher for thousands of people on the unemployment line in Massachusetts.

They say they received checks in the mail accidentally and the state wants that cash back.

A computer glitch is said to be to blame for the mistake.

The state sent out unemployment checks totaling $3.4 million. They were received by 4,159 out-of work-residents, but they were never supposed to receive those checks.

Now these people have to give that money back to the state. The problem being that many have already spent it.

"When he heard it wasn't his money, it was like losing his jobs all over again. What are we going to do?" said Eileen Fowler.

After losing their home of 28 years, Eileen and Jerry Fowler are about to be forced from their rental.

They thought the $523 per-week unemployment checks that Jerry received were a lifeline from the state.

Jerry received a statement saying he would receive another 20 unemployment payments effective October 4.

The next check would be mailed on the 12th with balance to be paid of $9,462.

But when the check didn't he come, Jerry called and was told he was overdrawn on his account.

"I asked as what I was supposed to do and she said I don't know how to explain this to you. You have no money there and it had been a computer error by the state," said Jerry Fowler.

The glitch was due to an outdated computer system.

"What we've determined there may be as many as 4,100 people that received and extra two weeks of benefits," Eileen Fowler said.

The state secretary of labor says it is a total of $3.4 million that never should have been paid.

"I would hate to say nothing like this could ever happen again. That wouldn't be realistic, but we're certainly taking every precaution," said Suzanne Bump, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development.

In the meantime, the state is not covering the cost of the confusion.

It wants the money back which is another blow to those who have been hit the hardest.

"I was left, in my mind, feeling worse than when I was fired from a job," said Jerry Fowler.
The state has said they cannot guarantee that more people won't get checks that they too will have to return.

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