Opinion ID: 874033
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Commission's Findings Are Supported by Substantial and Competent Evidence

Text: McNulty argues that the evidence contained in the record does not support the Commission's findings that McNulty's failure to report was willful or that his withholding was done in order to obtain benefits. This Court finds that a review of the record, including the transcript of the telephone hearing, supports the Commission's findings that McNulty's failure to report his employment was willful and done in furtherance of obtaining unemployment benefits. McNulty acknowledged that he heard the instruction to report any employment and earnings, and admitted that he did not report his employment or earnings from the Sawtooth Club. McNulty attempted to justify his failure to report on a misunderstanding that he was not required to report wages less than $284.00 because such earnings would not affect his benefit. However, McNulty also admitted that he did not keep track of the amount he earned and failed to report his earnings during the four weeks where his wages amounted to more than $284.00. McNulty acknowledged receiving the Handbook and did not object to its admission into evidence. He also acknowledged the Department's record of earnings from the Sawtooth Club as accurate and made no objections to the accuracy of the figures at the hearing. McNulty's failure to report his employment was committed each week that he filed a claim for unemployment benefits. It is important to note that it only takes one reporting violation for the Department to determine that a claimant has willfully failed to disclose a material fact which can make that individual ineligible for unemployment benefits for the following fifty-two (52) week benefits period. See I.C. § 72-1366(12). McNulty misrepresented being unemployed every week for several months. This Court holds that the record supports the Commission's findings with substantial and competent evidence.