On March 30, 2020 Governor Whitmer signed an agreement with the US Department of Labor to implement the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation programs under the federal CARES Act.

For up to 4 months, all unemployed workers will get an additional $600 through the CARES Act. The federal money is added to what the state provides, which means people may receive benefit amounts higher than their normal wages. Weekly benefits are calculated based on a person’s income and number of dependents and are now ranging from $681 to $962. The period of time that benefits can be received has been extended from 26 to 39 weeks.

The Governor expanded benefits to the self-employed, independent contractors, seasonal workers, gig workers and others who cannot work because of the pandemic. Gig workers are generally freelancers, work temporary jobs or on-call jobs. Gig workers often enter into agreements with on-demand companies such as Uber. Undocumented workers do not qualify.

Applicants are being asked to file claims pursuant to a schedule based on the first letter of the applicants last name, names starting with A to L can apply on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and last names starting with M to Z can apply on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Applicants can apply 24 hours a day, the on line website is faster during non-peak hours, 8 pm to 8 am.

If you have any question, please contact the Kitch Labor & Employment team.

Any information included here or through our web site is presented solely for general informational purposes and is not in any way intended as legal advice, is not a substitute for getting actual legal advice from an attorney, and should not be acted upon as legal advice without first seeking qualified professional counsel specific to your needs and situation. Additionally, by providing this general information and the information on our web site, no attorney client relationship is created.

Expanded Michigan Unemployment Benefits

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