A Guide to Michigan’s Unemployment Benefit Expansion

The applications for unemployment benefits reached 6.6 million last week, all all-time high. First-time claims for unemployment have surged more than 3,000% since early March. The total jobless claims in the last two weeks total ten million people. That puts the national unemployment rate at just over 10%.

Weekly benefits for all unemployed workers in Michigan have been increased by $600 per week for up to four months and the benefit payments have been extended from 26 to 39 weeks. Unemployment benefits have now been expanded to include self-employed, 1099 independent contractors, gig and low wage workers who previously did not qualify for state unemployment benefits. Individuals who were not eligible for Michigan unemployment benefits can now receive $600 per week for up to four months.

You can go to Michigan.gov/UIA. I recommend you go online during off-peak times, between 8PM and 8 AM. The online filing schedule is as follows: Last names beginning with letters A-L can file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays. Last names beginning with letters M-Z can file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays. Saturdays are available for anyone who could not get through on their designated days.

Those who cannot get online can use the call center by calling 866-500-0017. The call center filing schedule is as follows: Last names beginning with letters A-L can call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8AM and 5PM. Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8AM and 5 PM. Saturdays from 8AM to 5PM are available for anyone who could not get through on their designated days.

The above information is a general overview and is not intended to be used as legal advice. If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, the best thing to do is call our office at 248-557-3645 and schedule a free consultation so you can receive advice which is tailored to your specific circumstances.

By:​Michael Benkstein, Esq.

Managing Attorney, Bankruptcy Department

The Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz, PLLC

1000 Town Center

Suite 800

Southfield, MI 48075

(phone) 248-557-3645

(fax) 248-200-0645

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