Legislation Extends Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program Through 2012

Congress recently passed legislation to extend Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) through the end of 2012. The new legislation has been signed by President Barack Obama and goes into effect on March 23, 2012.

The enacted legislation has made several changes to the EUC program’s filing deadlines. Additionally, all claimants collecting EUC benefits will be required to perform weekly work-searches in order to remain eligible to collect benefits. Further, new claimants entering into EUC Tiers 1 or 2 will be required to make an in-person visit to a local Michigan Works! office for reemployment services.

The agency is in the process of mailing detailed information regarding the new requirements to claimants.

For additional information regarding changes to the EUC program, claimants may contact the Unemployment Insurance Agency in the following ways:

• Call the UIA Customer Service Line at 1-866-500-0017 to speak with an agent.  Agents will be available 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, the Agency’s phone lines will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, and Saturday, March 31, to assist customers.
• Visit the UIA website at www.michigan.gov/uia to review EUC program updates or to submit an inquiry to the Agency’s Virtual Problem Resolution (ViPR) agents who are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, and Saturday, March 31. 
• Call the Agency’s Emergency Unemployment Compensation hotline, 1-800-638-3995 for pre-recorded updates to EUC program information.
• Due to potentially high call volumes, the Agency recommends customers interact with its ViPR agents through an online claim web account. To register for an online claim web account, visit www.michigan.gov/uia and select “UIA Online Services for Unemployed Workers.” Users will be taken to a login page where they can register and create their online account with the Agency.
• Those who have exhausted unemployment benefits can find additional resources for health care, family support, housing, and more, by visiting http://www.michigan.gov/helpinghand.  Unemployed workers should also visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect at http:www.mitalent.org to obtain information regarding job and training opportunities.

Information made available by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.