Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the expansion of Michigan unemployment benefits on Monday, March 30, 2020, to assist those struggling as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread.
The move comes after the U.S. Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security, or CARES, Act.
The agreement between Michigan and the U.S. Department of Labor has established the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation programs, which increases the benefits to workers who do not qualify for state unemployment benefits as described under the federal CARES Act.
“The State of Michigan is dedicated to implementing measures to protect the health of all our residents and we understand financial health is critical as we meet this challenge together,” Whitmer said in a release.
“This increase and expansion of unemployment benefits will provide a measure of security for Michigan working families who lost their income due to the pandemic. We are committed to ensuring emergency financial relief for unemployed residents who continue to stay home and stay safe.”
Self-employed workers, 1099-independent contractors, gig workers, and low-wage workers were added to the list of qualified workers.
Based on the agreement, weekly benefits for all unemployed workers will increase by $600 a week and stretches benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity presented the following information Monday:
“The new system uses alphabetical order to manage web visits and calls. It is being implemented as UIA has moved nearly all of its staff members to customer service positions in order to faster assist Michiganders in filing for benefits.
At the same time, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget is working to expand capacity and infrastructure of the State’s online systems. Potential benefit recipients can help alleviate the system overload by following a few simple steps:
- If you have a computer and the internet, please use the website, not the phone system, to apply for benefits: Michigan.gov/UIA.
- Log onto the website during off-hours for better access – late at night or very early in the morning.
- Please be patient. If the page is loading slowly, DO NOT refresh. Give it a few minutes to load.
- View the online tool kit and frequently asked questions before you apply to ensure that you have the appropriate information and documents you will need on hand.
- If you must use the Call Center, please observe the alphabetical system outlined below beginning this Sunday to help ease the burden."
