Michigan: More than $1.6B In Unemployment Benefits Issued

MICHIGAN — More than 1 million Michigan workers affected by the coronavirus have received over $1.6 billion in unemployment benefits, according to data provided by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

In a news release issued by UIA, the agency has provided benefits to 1,018,315 Michigan workers who are unemployed due to the coronavirus. The agency has also disbursed more than $1.66 billion in payments since March 15.

The most recent U.S. Department of Labor report showed 1,178,021 Michiganders filed unemployment claims between March 15 and April 18. Most workers who have not yet received unemployment benefits will be eligible in the coming weeks once they complete the federal requirement to certify their claim, UIA said in a news release.

“We are working hard to provide emergency financial assistance to those affected by COVID-19, with more than 1 million Michiganders receiving benefits,” said Jeff Donofrio, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “While Michigan’s unemployment system appears to be outpacing the rest of the country in paying benefits, much work remains for those who still need help completing their claim. We will not rest until everyone receives the benefits they are entitled to.”

In conjunction with the federal CARES Act, Michigan was among the first states in the nation to begin sending the additional $600 federal payments in Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and make the unemployment application available to self-employed workers and independent contractors through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Historical Demand In the weeks preceding the pandemic, the UIA received around 5,000 new weekly unemployment claims. During the Great Recession, the weekly high was around 77,000 in 2009.

Unemployment claims during the coronavirus pandemic:

How to File and Certify

The fastest and easiest way to file and certify a claim is online at Michigan.gov/UIA. More than 90 percent of all claims are filed and certified on the 24-hour website. Customers are urged to use the site during off-peak hours between 8 p.m.-8 a.m.