The Guam Department of Labor is continuing its federally mandated effort to recover overpayments made under the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, or PUA, program.

While PUA helped thousands of island residents during the height of the COVID-19 crisis, audits required by the U.S. Department of Labor revealed that some benefits were issued to ineligible recipients based on self-certification. 

Since 2023, overpayment notices have gone out to claimants identified through these audits, with GDOL offering waivers and payment plans to help ease the burden. 

To date, more than $8.8 million has been recovered, and over $5 million in waivers have been approved.

Director David Dell’isola is urging those who receive a notice to reach out immediately, stressing that the agency is here to help. 

Guam’s overpayment rate remains well below the national average, and all recipient information is protected by federal confidentiality rules.

The recovery process is expected to continue through September.