108.095 False statements or representations to obtain benefits payable to other persons.

(1) The procedures under this section apply to any issue arising under this chapter concerning any alleged false statement or representation of a person to obtain benefits that are payable to another person, and are in addition to any determination, decision or other procedure provided under s. 108.09. The procedures under this section apply whether or not a penalty for an offense is provided under s. 108.24.

(2) The department shall investigate whether any person has obtained benefits that were payable to another person by means of any false statement or representation, and may issue an initial determination concerning its findings. The department shall electronically deliver a copy of the determination to, or mail a copy of the determination to the last-known address of, each party affected thereby. Unless designated by a determination under this section, an employing unit is not a party to the determination. The department may set aside or amend the determination at any time prior to a hearing concerning the determination under sub. (5) on the basis of subsequent information or to correct a mistake, including an error of law.

(3) Any party to a determination may appeal that determination by requesting a hearing concerning any matter in that determination if the request is received by the department or postmarked within 14 days after the electronic delivery or mailing.

(4) Upon issuance of a determination, the department is a party to the determination.

(5) Any hearing shall be held before an appeal tribunal appointed under s. 108.09 (3). Section 108.09 (4) and (5) applies to the proceeding before the tribunal.

(6) Any party may petition the commission for review of the decision of the appeal tribunal under s. 108.09 (6). The commission's authority to take action concerning any issue or proceeding under this section is the same as that provided in s. 108.09 (6).

(7) Any party may commence an action for judicial review of a decision of the commission under this section, after exhausting the remedies provided under this section, by commencing the action within 30 days after the decision of the commission is delivered electronically or mailed to the department and is delivered electronically to, or mailed to the last-known address of, each other party. The scope and manner of judicial review is the same as that provided in s. 108.09 (7).

(8) The issuance of determinations and decisions under this section shall be by electronic delivery or 1st class mail and may include the use of services performed by the U.S. postal service requiring the payment of extra fees.

History: 1999 a. 15; 2015 a. 334; 2017 a. 157.