On Tuesday, September 17, the United States Department of Labor released the final figures for the three years ending June 30, 2012, for Improper Unemployment Insurance Payments by state. Arizona is a clear leader ranking in the top five in three major categories, joined by New Mexico in two of those categories. However, Indiana and Louisiana were the overwhelming leaders with three year percent of improper over payment at 49.2 % and 38.7% respectively.
Arizona and New Mexico were tied for number one as far as the claimant being responsible for the improper payments at slightly over 70% each. The nearest, at third place, was Nebraska with 34% of the improper payments being caused by the claimant.
Arizona is in first place for the percentage of improper unemployment insurance payments determined to be as a result of fraud at 9.2% for the three years ended June 30, 2012. Arizona had total improper payments totaling $81,000,000 exceeded only by Indiana at $206,000,000.
Improper Unemployment Insurance payments
Three years ended June 30, 2012
| Top 5 States | Total Dollars | 3 year % | % by Fraud | Claimant Responsible |
| Indiana | $206,000,000 | 49.1% | 4.3% | 29.8% |
| Arizona | $81,000,000 | 19.4 % | 9.2% | 70.5% |
| Louisiana | 63,000,000 | 38.7% | 8.3% | 29.6% |
| New Mexico | 28,000,000 | 22.6% | 5.2% | 70.6% |
| Nebraska | 33,000,000 | 19.0% | 1.5% | 34.1% |
The Department of Labor states that amounts displayed are not actual improper payment rate and dollars but an estimate based on results of State Benefit Accuracy Measurement (BAM) survey (random audits) of paid and denied claims in three major UI programs: State UI, Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees, and Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service Members. For more detailed information on these and the rest of the states follow this link to the United States Department of Labor web site.