If you become unemployed due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits.
The fastest way to apply for and receive benefits is to apply online at http://www.michigan.gov/uia.
Michigan has removed the in-person work registration requirement to apply for and receive benefits. You will be automatically registered when you file your claim and your application will satisfy the seeking work requirement.
Under the Executive Order issued by Governor Whitmer on March 16, 2020 the Unemployment Insurance Benefits are being expanded to include:
- Workers who have an unanticipated family care responsibility, including those who have childcare responsibilities due to school closures, or those who are forced to care for loved ones who become ill.
- Workers who are sick, quarantined, or immunocompromised and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off.
- First responders in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined due to exposure to COVID-19.
Benefits have NOT been extended to self-employed workers or independent contractors, but they may be and we urge you to check the official State of Michigan UIA website.
If your employer puts you on temporary unpaid leave, you are eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits.
The E.O. applies to claims filed between March 16 and April 14, 2020.
Employees will be eligible only for one: either Unemployment Insurance Benefits OR federal paid sick leave benefits – but not both.
The E.O. extends Unemployment Insurance Benefits from 20 to 26 weeks.
More information about applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits can be found here.