Expanded Michigan Unemployment Benefits
Talking Points drafted by the Executive Direction of the Michigan Association of Justice - Stephen V. Pontoni

• Michigan employees that are left without an income because of COVID-19 may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
• On March 16, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 10-2020, which expands the definition of who is eligible for Unemployment. This order is effective through 11:59PM on April 14, 2020.
• As a result of the order, employees are eligible for Unemployment Benefits if they self-isolate or self-quarantine for one of the following reasons:

1. Having elevated Risk from COVID-19 for being immunocompromised;
2. Displaying symptoms of COVID-19;
3. Having contact in the last 14 days with someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19;
4. Needing to care for someone with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; OR
5. Having a family care responsibility as a result of a government directive (i.e. childcare responsibilities arising from school closings)

• This applies whether the you are laid-off due to COVID-19, or if you take a temporary leave of absence, so long as you are not already on sick leave or receiving disability benefits.
• The amount of time you have to file has been extended from 14 days to 28 days.
• Benefits have been extended from 20 weeks to 26 weeks.
• The normal in-person registration and work search requirements have also been suspended.
• The State is seeking solutions for self-employed workers and independent contractors who traditionally do not have access to unemployment insurance. Efforts are also underway at the federal level to help these workers qualify for benefits. 

• Contact your state representative, state senator, U.S. representative, or U.S. senator and urge them to take action!
• Eligible employees can apply for unemployment benefits online at www.Micihgan.gov/UIA, or by calling 1-866-638-3993.
• If you need to talk with an employment attorney, please visit www.michiganjustice.org and click on “Find an Attorney.”