Michigan Restoring Work-Search Rule, Will Keep $300 Supplement

LANSING, MI — Receiving unemployment benefits and looking for work? Michigan is saying, "prove it."

The state is reinstating a requirement that people receiving unemployment benefits show they are actively searching for work, The Associated Press reported Tuesday. The reinstated requirement will take effect on May 30, but will not alter a $300 weekly federal supplement going to 816,000 people who are currently unemployed, according to The Associated Press.

All seven of Michigan Republican U.S. House members wrote to Gov. Gretchen Witmer a letter urging her to halt the extra payment, which was in addition to maximum state unemployment benefits of $362 per week.

“We call on you to end participation in this program to get our state’s economy back on track and ensure our employers have access to the talent they need to return to normal,” the seven Republicans co-wrote in the letter, which was sent Monday.

A spokeswoman for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency told The Associated Press that the agency does not plan to end any federal unemployment programs.

The work-search requirement was waived in March 2020. Those receiving unemployment benefits will have to conduct at least one work-search activity for each week they certify for benefits, according to The Associated Press.