Michigan reinstates job searching requirement for unemployment benefitsPeople receiving unemployment benefits must be actively searching for work again. Show
LANSING, Mich. - A law enacted Monday gives Michigan’s unemployment agency flexibility to stop seeking repayment of benefits from part-time workers who began qualifying when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. The bill, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, is intended to resolve a conflict between state law and a new federal program — created in 2020 and extended into 2021 — that provided unemployment aid to people who were not otherwise eligible, including part-time employees. It retroactively specifies that claimants seeking the benefits, which have since expired, could certify that they were able and available for full-time or part-time work. The sponsor, Democratic Sen. Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor, told a House committee last fall that his legislation "targets just one very narrow problem within (a) larger universe of issues that our citizens are having with the Unemployment Insurance Agency." He said it would clear up confusion for part-time workers who began getting benefits only to have to certify weekly that they were able and available for full-time work — a requirement under Michigan law — even though they had been part-time employees. The state was asking some claimants to repay benefits, he said. MORE: Number of Americans collecting unemployment lowest since 1970 The law "will provide relief to thousands of people fighting with UIA over paperwork," Irwin said Monday. The state, which has come under scrutiny for paying out billions in fraudulent jobless benefits during the pandemic, has been granted expanded federal waivers so people do not have to return money if there was no "fraud." "I’ve always said that Michiganders should not be penalized for doing what was right at the time they applied for federal pandemic benefits," the Democratic governor said in a statement about signing the bill.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Because the coronavirus pandemic has left so many Americans jobless, the federal government has given states more flexibility in granting unemployment benefits. You’ll need to apply for these benefits through your state’s unemployment insurance program, but if you have questions about whether you’re eligible for benefits read our COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits and Insurance FAQ. Also, before submitting a claim, be sure to check out Michigan’s Handbook for Unemployed Workers. Your Guide to Unemployment Benefits in MichiganMichigan residents who have lost their job through no fault of their own can qualify for unemployment benefits. The State of Michigan provides this safety net in situations where workers have become unemployed due to a layoff, a labor dispute, or being placed on mandatory leave of absence. Michigan unemployment benefits and unemployment compensation are meant to provide a temporary source of income until you are able to find another job. This service is provided by the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). All employers in the state pay unemployment taxes, which are then paid out weekly to workers who lose their jobs. How do I apply for unemployment benefits in Michigan?Michigan residents who have recently lost their job can apply for unemployment benefits online or through the Michigan unemployment phone number. It is important to file for benefits within the first week of losing your job.
If you are having difficulty with either system, you can also visit one of several Michigan unemployment office locations. For any questions or concerns about your Michigan unemployment, contact an unemployment insurance representative as soon as possible so that your weekly claims are not delayed or terminated. Information you’ll need to submit your unemployment claimTo successfully complete your unemployment benefits application, you’ll need to have several documents that act as proof for your claim.
Be sure to gather this information first before beginning the application process. You can also read our guide on the unemployment application process for more tips. After filing for unemployment benefits, the UIA will contact you by mail regarding your benefits. They will explain if your claim has been accepted or denied (and if so, why). If accepted, the information packet will show how large your weekly benefit check will be and how often you can receive unemployment payments. This information will also include information on what you must do to continue receiving benefits. Where can I find more information on Michigan’s unemployment benefits?Wading through the waters of unemployment benefits can feel daunting, and there’s a lot of information to understand. For more information on claiming state of Michigan unemployment benefits, you can contact the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity:
How Unemployment Works in MichiganIt is important to apply for Michigan unemployment as soon as you lose your job so that your benefits can begin as soon as possible. You can file a Michigan unemployment application online, over the phone, or at a Michigan unemployment office. If you meet Michigan unemployment benefits eligibility, you will be approved for up to 20 weeks of unemployment compensation. The minimum amount you will receive is $81, with a maximum of $362. The Michigan unemployment department requires all benefits recipients to file a weekly claim with MARVIN, the online reporting system. This is proof that you are searching for new work and is required to receive your weekly benefits. If you have found a new job and are being paid, regardless of how quickly, your benefits will end. Or, after reaching 20 weeks, your benefits will expire. In most situations, the state will reject a Michigan unemployment extension request. Michigan unemployment qualificationsThere are several requirements you must meet to qualify for unemployment benefits in Michigan. Because Michigan unemployment compensation is meant to be temporary relief after a job loss, you must meet the following qualifications:
In addition, people applying for unemployment benefits must also:
If you’ve previously received unemployment benefits in Michigan within the last six calendar quarters, you must:
If you meet these requirements, you have a right to file for Michigan unemployment benefits. While you are likely to collect unemployment payments, it is possible to be rejected based on special employment circumstances (such as the type of job you previously had) or if an employer chooses to contest your application (which may occur if they say you chose to leave instead of being laid off or terminated). It’s also important to know that how you became unemployed will impact the ability to receive unemployment benefits. In most cases, the UIA considers Michigan unemployment claims to fall into three categories: (1) quitting, (2) fired, or (3) laid off. Choosing to quit your job—that is, leaving voluntarily—may disqualify you from receiving benefits. Leaving because you simply did not like the workplace will cause your application to be rejected. But quitting your job because of reasons out of your control—such as health problems or something your employer did—may allow you to still receive benefits. If you were fired, the UIA will determine if you still qualify for benefits. If you lost your job because of misconduct at work (such as violating workplace rules or failing to show up regularly), you may not qualify for unemployment compensation. Being fired does not automatically disqualify you—you can still receive unemployment payments if you were fired for having poor job performance. In situations where a labor dispute or layoff led to your termination, you will likely qualify for benefits. Special circumstances that may impact your unemployment eligibilityEven if you meet all the requirements for unemployment benefits in Michigan, your application may be rejected based on your individual work situation. If you were self-employed, worked for a family business, or held a political office, there are additional criteria that you must meet.
FAQsHow much money will I receive?Unemployment benefits vary from person to person and are based on your previous wages and the number of weeks you are allowed to receive benefits. While the UIA will contact you by mail to explain how much you will receive and for how long, you can estimate your weekly unemployment benefits by using this formula:
Your Michigan unemployment amount cannot be higher than $362. The minimum amount you will receive is $81 per week. How and when will I receive my unemployment benefits?Unemployment benefits are paid out weekly. You’ll receive either a debit card where funds are deposited, or you can opt to have your benefits direct deposited into your bank account. What do I need to do to receive my weekly benefits?
One of the most important Michigan unemployment requirements for maintaining your unemployment benefits is regularly showing that you’re looking for new work. Michigan makes this easy through MARVIN—Michigan’s Automated Response Voice Interactive Network. To collect benefits, you’ll be required to call MARVIN every other week to verify that you’ve been searching for new employment. You can check in with MARVIN by calling 1-866-638-3993. Hours are Monday through Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET. Failing to call MARVIN could temporarily stop your benefits. How long will I qualify for MI unemployment benefits?Michigan allows residents to collect unemployment benefits for a maximum of 20 weeks per benefit year, regardless of wheter you find a job, stop benefits, and need to reapply later on in the year. This means there must be at least 52 weeks between Michigan unemployment claim filings to receive full benefits. For example:
In most cases, it is not possible to receive a Michigan unemployment extension. Previously, the state has only allowed extensions in times where economic downturn has created high Michigan unemployment rates. Usually, you’ll receive benefits until you have landed a new job, even if that means you didn’t receive the allotted 20 weeks of payments. In some cases, you can accept part-time work and still receive unemployment benefits, though you should know that your weekly benefit will be reduced based on the amount of money you are earning. In addition, it’s important to remember that you must regularly check in with the UIA to show proof of job search. Failing to do so could lead to you losing your benefits. What if my unemployment benefits claim is denied?
If you find that your benefit application was denied, or there was some issue with your claim, the UIA will contact you about the issue and with information on how to proceed. Michigan unemployment laws will allow you to file an appeal. If you need more information on doing so, you can visit the Michigan unemployment website for further details. Written by Eligibility Team We are a team of experts dedicated to finding the right government programs for you. Our mission is simple: help people quickly and easily understand which programs they might be eligible for—all in one place. Our team is dedicated to researching and providing you with the most relevant information. We compile only the most trusted information from government sources into one place so you can find the facts you need and skip what you don’t. Do you have to work fullTo be eligible, for unemployment benefits, you must be unemployed and able, available for, and actively seeking suitable full-time work. Unless instructed otherwise by UIA staff, you must also register for work at www.mitalent.org and visit a Michigan Works!
What disqualifies you from unemployment in Michigan?If you lost your job because of misconduct at work (such as violating workplace rules or failing to show up regularly), you may not qualify for unemployment compensation. Being fired does not automatically disqualify you—you can still receive unemployment payments if you were fired for having poor job performance.
What does Michigan unemployment consider fullThe law doesn't define "full-time" for unemployment benefit purposes. UIA accepts the definition of "full-time" used by the particular employer involved in the claim.
What qualifies you for underemployment in Michigan?Underemployment is a situation in which a worker is employed, but his/her work hours and/or wages have been reduced or changed for reasons other than the worker's request.
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