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Michigan

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on June 22, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Michigan, we recommend that you visit the state’s COVID-19 Resources website or the Michigan Economic Development Corporation

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Description of Program and Relief

Expanded Unemployment Benefits

Gov. Whitmer has signed an Executive Order that expands unemployment benefits to provide emergency relief to families.

This order expands unemployment benefits to: sick workers, workers caring for loved ones, and first responders. It also increases the number of weeks from 20 to 26 that workers will receive unemployment benefits and suspends in-person registration and work search requirements.

Government or Lead Agency

Governor of Michigan

Dates Available

As of March 22, 2020

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

The Bureau of Workers’ & Unemployment Compensation (the “BW&UC”) will look at an individual’s standard base period to determine if their earnings qualify for unemployment benefits. The standard base period includes the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to filing the claim. For earnings to qualify in the standard base period, (a) one quarter in the individual’s base period must have wages of at least $1,998 and (b) total wages for all four quarters must equal at least 1.5x the highest amount of wages paid in any quarter of the base period.

If an individual cannot qualify based on their standard base period, the BW&UC will determine if their earnings qualify for unemployment benefits in the alternate base period, which includes the four most recently completed calendar quarters. For earnings to qualify in the alternate base period, (a) an individual must have wages in at least two quarters and (b) total wages for all four quarters must be at least $14,499.20.

An unemployed individual must be able to perform, and available for, suitable full-time work, but does not need to be actively seeking full-time work.

Michigan law does not provide access to unemployment insurance to independent contractors or self-employed workers.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Phone Number: (517) 373-3400

List of Additional Information

For more information, please visit this webpage.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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