How to File for Underemployment in Michigan – Gretchen Whitmer the governor of Michigan signed an executive order extending unemployment insurance benefits to workers who had to stay home to care for sick relatives or taking care of their children during the global pandemic. Also, anyone who lost their job as a result of the crisis is advised to apply.
Whitmer’s executive order extended unemployment benefits to workers who have an “unexpected family care responsibility,” including child care responsibilities due to school closures. It also covers workers who are sick, quarantined or immunocompromised but do not have a paid medical leave or have been laid off, along with first responders who became ill or are quarantined because of the exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
What is the unemployment benefit?
Basically, Unemployment benefits are compensation paid to people who have recently lost their job through no fault of theirs, such as being laid off or business closure. Unemployment benefits are often calculated as a certain percent of the average of the claimant’s wage over a recent 52-week period.
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How to calculate unemployment benefits?
To calculate your estimated Weekly Benefit Amount:
- You’d have to multiply the wages received in the high quarter of your base period by 4.1% (0.041). Round it down to the nearest dollar.
- Then add $6 for each dependent, maximum of 5 dependents.
- The addition of steps 1 and 2 is your estimated Weekly Benefit Amount. The maximum weekly benefit amount in Michigan is $362.
How to file claim
Online applications are advised because of risen call volumes in past time, but those looking to file a claim for benefits can also call 1-866-500-0017 to apply.
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Due to the large increase in working families applying for unemployment benefits, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has generated a timetable for workers to file for benefits based on the first letter of their last name:
Online Filing Schedule – Michigan.gov/UIA
- People with last names beginning with letters A-L are requested to file claims on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays.
- While those with last names beginning with letters M-Z are requested to file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
- Saturdays would be available for anyone who could not file during their allotted window.
Call Center Filing Schedule – 866-500-0017:
- People with last names beginning with letters A-L are requested to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8:00am – 5:00pm.
- While those with last names beginning with letters M-Z are requested to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8:00am – 5:00pm.
- Fridays (8:00am – 5:00pm) would be available for anyone who could not file during their allotted window.
Requirements to file claim
To file a claim, you’d need:
- Your Social Security Number, driver’s license number, state identification or MARVIN PIN (if you have it)
- If you are not a citizen of the U.S or national, you’d need your alien registration number and the expiration date on your work authorization.
- The names and addresses of employers you’ve worked for in the previous 18 months, including your quarterly gross earnings and the last date of employment with each.
Your application for benefits will be assessed to determine if you are eligible for benefits and how much money you would receive.
Benefits for more
Michigan raised unemployment benefits for workers to 26 weeks on March 16 as a result of the COVID-19 virus. The day or time of day that a claim is filed would not influence if a worker receives benefits or their benefit amount.
Additionally, claims would be back-dated to show the date in which a claimant was laid off or let go from their job due to COVID-19. The window to apply has also been increased from 14 to 28 days from the date they stopped working.
The recently passed federal CARES act will expand Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation to self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig and low-wage workers in Michigan. Guidance and more information about this program will be available on the state of Michigan’s website soon.
The state also expanded a work-share program for eligible businesses that can help avoid mass layoffs by sharing the cost of employees. All participating businesses can scale back worker hours and request unemployment insurance to cover the difference in lost pay.
Employers with further questions about workers’ unemployment can contact Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency, Office of Employer Ombudsman at 1-855-484-2636.