Significant changes in Michigan’s unemployment insurance law go into effect on Wednesday, April 2. The law increases the maximum benefit amount by $84 a week, extends the maximum weeks benefits can be collected to 26, and more than doubles the amount per dependent.
The weekly unemployment benefits boost is the first for Michigan workers since the maximum amount was increased to $362 a week in 2002.
“Expanding unemployment benefits isn’t just about supporting workers in tough times — it’s about building a stronger, more resilient economy where every Michigander has the stability to recover, grow and thrive," said Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin. "Increasing these benefits is a step in the right direction to help those navigating a sudden job loss to get back on their feet and to have financial support as they seek new employment.”
“The increases in benefits and weeks will put extra money into the pockets of thousands of Michiganders at a time when they need it the most. They spend that additional money at local businesses in communities across Michigan,” said Jason Palmer, director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). “Unemployment benefits stabilize household budgets and provide a safety net for families while workers search for a new job.”
For new claims filed on April 2 or later, the law increases:
• The maximum weeks of benefits from the current 20 to 26. (The minimum number of weeks a worker can be eligible for benefits will still be 14.)
• The maximum weekly benefit from the current $362 to $446 this year, $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027.
• The amount for each dependent (up to a maximum of five) from the current $6 each to $12.66 each this year, $19.33 each in 2026, and $26 each in 2027.
• Beginning in 2028, the state Treasurer will set the weekly benefit and dependent amounts, based on the national Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the changes to unemployment law in December, but the Legislature did not give immediate effect to the legislation, meaning the earliest the changes could be implemented is April 2.
The legislation did, however, specify Jan. 1, 2025, as the effective date for Michiganders to receive the higher benefit and dependent amounts. UIA will review on a case-by-case basis active claims filed between Jan. 1 and April 2 and make retroactive determinations on claims to see which ones qualify for higher benefit and dependent amounts. If a claim qualifies for increased benefits, UIA will pay the difference to the claimant.
There will be no retroactive change to benefit weeks, since the new 26-week maximum applies only to new claims filed on April 2 or later.
On a small number of claims where a review has determined an overpayment, UIA will waive payments by claimants.
Claimants should watch their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account for updates and be sure bank account information and/or addresses are up to date. If UIA sends a request for information, respond by the stated deadline and use only official forms from UIA to facilitate timely actions on a claim.
Additional information about the new law can be found at Michigan.gov/UIA.
The weekly unemployment benefits boost is the first for Michigan workers since the maximum amount was increased to $362 a week in 2002.
“Expanding unemployment benefits isn’t just about supporting workers in tough times — it’s about building a stronger, more resilient economy where every Michigander has the stability to recover, grow and thrive," said Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin. "Increasing these benefits is a step in the right direction to help those navigating a sudden job loss to get back on their feet and to have financial support as they seek new employment.”
“The increases in benefits and weeks will put extra money into the pockets of thousands of Michiganders at a time when they need it the most. They spend that additional money at local businesses in communities across Michigan,” said Jason Palmer, director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). “Unemployment benefits stabilize household budgets and provide a safety net for families while workers search for a new job.”
For new claims filed on April 2 or later, the law increases:
• The maximum weeks of benefits from the current 20 to 26. (The minimum number of weeks a worker can be eligible for benefits will still be 14.)
• The maximum weekly benefit from the current $362 to $446 this year, $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027.
• The amount for each dependent (up to a maximum of five) from the current $6 each to $12.66 each this year, $19.33 each in 2026, and $26 each in 2027.
• Beginning in 2028, the state Treasurer will set the weekly benefit and dependent amounts, based on the national Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the changes to unemployment law in December, but the Legislature did not give immediate effect to the legislation, meaning the earliest the changes could be implemented is April 2.
The legislation did, however, specify Jan. 1, 2025, as the effective date for Michiganders to receive the higher benefit and dependent amounts. UIA will review on a case-by-case basis active claims filed between Jan. 1 and April 2 and make retroactive determinations on claims to see which ones qualify for higher benefit and dependent amounts. If a claim qualifies for increased benefits, UIA will pay the difference to the claimant.
There will be no retroactive change to benefit weeks, since the new 26-week maximum applies only to new claims filed on April 2 or later.
On a small number of claims where a review has determined an overpayment, UIA will waive payments by claimants.
Claimants should watch their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account for updates and be sure bank account information and/or addresses are up to date. If UIA sends a request for information, respond by the stated deadline and use only official forms from UIA to facilitate timely actions on a claim.
Additional information about the new law can be found at Michigan.gov/UIA.
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