LANSING — Michigan has increased its unemployment benefits for all unemployed workers by a set amount of $600 a week for up to four months. The change applies to workers already in the unemployment systems and eligible employees about to apply for benefits. Governor Whitmer announced the new programs for workers on Monday, after signing an agreement under the federal CARES Act between Michigan and the U.S. Department of Labor to implement Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation program.

The agreement also extends benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks. The new compensation program will also cover self-employed, 1099-contracts, gig, low-wage workers and those with a limited work history who can no longer work because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the CARES Act, these individuals who are not already eligible for Michigan’s unemployment programs will now be provided the $600 a week, on top of the state benefit.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) will provide additional guidance regarding eligibility and application details in the coming days as it implements these new programs.

There is no need to reapply for benefits and those unemployed workers who are about to apply can proceed with the usual steps. The agency also said that 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. 

“The state of Michigan is dedicated to implementing measures to protect the health of all our residents and we understand financial health is critical as we meet this challenge together,” Whitmer said in a statement. “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. We are committed to ensuring emergency financial relief for unemployed residents who continue to stay home and stay safe.”

New unemployment filing schedule: 

Online filing schedule — Michigan.gov/UIA. Workers are encouraged to go online during off-peak times between 8 p.m-8 a.m.

• Last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays or 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. 

Call center filing schedule – 866-500-0017:

• Last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 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. 

Please note that 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.