By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

The State of Michigan has changed the rules for unemployment benefits to not only increase and expand benefits forWKTVworkers now unemployed by COVID-19’s economic impact but to expand benefits to self-employed and low-wage workers.

According to a March 30 statement from the state government, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, acting as provided by the new federal CARES Act, signed an agreement between Michigan and the U.S. Dept. of Labor to implement Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation programs that grant benefits to workers who do not already qualify for state unemployment benefits.

According to the statement, workers include self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig, and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of the pandemic. The agreement also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 a week for up to four months and extends benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks.

“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,” Gov. Whitmer said in supplied material. “We are committed to ensuring emergency financial relief for unemployed residents who continue to stay home and stay safe.”

Michigan Sen. Gary Peters also issued a statement on March 30 detailing the expanded benefits, saying that the federal act put into effect by the the governor will “ensure workers – including those who are self-employed and work in the gig economy – have the resources to get through this crisis.”

According to Sen. Peter’s office, “the program will be particularly helpful for those workers who are self-employed or without sufficient work history to qualify for regular unemployment insurance. … (and) it will eliminate the typical weeklong waiting period between applying for and receiving unemployment assistance.”

In addition to individuals whose employers closed due to COVID-19’s economic impact, workers who qualify for assistance under the program include:

Individuals who have the virus, need to self-quarantine to protect themselves and cannot reach their place of employment, or are caring for someone with the disease.

Individuals who must care for a child because of a school closure.

Individuals who are working reduced hours due to the virus.

Rules and suggestions for applying

The following summary of the new rules and information is drawn from both state and federal supplied material:

Under the CARES Act, weekly benefits for all unemployed workers will be increased by a set amount of $600 a week for up to four months.

The additional benefit amount applies to workers already in the unemployment system and eligible employees about to apply. These workers do not need to reapply and those about to apply do not need to take additional steps and should file as usual. If a worker’s application has previously been denied by the UIA in the past three weeks there is no need for them to reapply at this time. They will be notified by the agency with any additional action that may need to be taken.

Workers should apply online at Michigan.gov/UIA and utilize a new filing schedule based on their last name. Workers are encouraged to go online during off-peak times between 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. The day or time of day in which a claim is filed will not impact whether a worker receives benefits or their benefit amount. Additionally, claims will be back-dated to reflect the date in which a claimant was laid-off or let go from their job due to COVID-19. The eligibility window to apply has also been increased from 14 to 28 days from the date of their work stoppage.

The state asks workers to file on-line or via the phone — at 866-500-0017 — on set days.

For on-line filing, last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays. Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.

 

For state call center filing, last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays also 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays (8 a.m.– 5 p.m.) will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.

For more information visit Michigan.gov/UIA.

Benefits and administrative costs associated with this program are federally funded through the federal unemployment insurance trust fund. The program is administered by state unemployment offices.