The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) has recently published a newly revised Unemployment Insurance (UI) poster. The newly updated version significantly changes the disqualification period for committing UI fraud. Louisiana employers must update their labor law posters to reflect the revised notice.
Fraud Disqualification Now Lasts Up to 10 Years
Previously, individuals in Louisiana caught committing unemployment insurance fraud could face a ban from receiving benefits for up to 62 weeks. Under new UI rules, that period can now stretch to a full decade.
The poster explains that anyone who knowingly provides false information or leaves out key details in order to obtain or increase unemployment benefits will face disqualification for the remainder of that benefit year, plus up to 10 additional years. As detailed in Louisiana regulations, that extended time frame may be paused in certain legal situations.
UI Fraud Is Now a Theft Crime
Any overpayment of $1,000 or more obtained through fraudulent means will now constitute a theft-related offense. These cases will be sent to the district attorney in the claimant's area and prosecuted under Chapter 14, Subsection 67 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. To seek penalties against the accused person, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the individual obtained the payment through deception or misrepresentation.
Additional Criminal Penalties
In addition to benefits disqualification and repayment obligations, individuals who commit fraud may also face criminal charges. Each false statement or omission is considered a separate offense. Potential penalties include:
- Fines from $50 to $1,000
- Jail time ranging from 30 to 90 days
- Or both, depending on the court’s decision
These penalties don't just apply to Louisiana's UI program. They also extend to cases of fraud involving unemployment claims in other U.S. states or internationally.
Employer Takeaways
All Louisiana employers with one or more employees should replace the prior version of the Unemployment Insurance notice with the version dated March 2025 as soon as possible. For information on other recent poster updates, see our Louisiana EIC & Workers Compensation Poster Update. Failure to do so could lead to citations for posting violations if inspected. Posting violations could also be used against the employer during a UI claim proceeding.
Labor Law Posters Online's updated 2025 Louisiana State & Federal Labor Law Poster now includes the revised Unemployment Insurance poster released by the Louisiana Workforce Commission. Our all-on-one solution is guaranteed to include any recent mandatory updates to required Louisiana and federal posters. Existing customers who purchased our annual subscription will automatically receive the revised notice as part of their yearly service.
