An Associated Press analysis of federal statistics shows Illinois is the nation's worst in reclaiming hundreds of millions of dollars in overpaid unemployment benefits.
But the unclaimed $452 million couldn't be used to alleviate social services that have suffered during the state's budget crisis or pay down its billions in debt and overdue bills.
Labor Department statistics show Illinois' 37 percent recovery rate is the worst among all U.S. states and territories, which average 66 percent.