LANSING, MI – Nearly 48,000 Michiganders will be getting retroactive unemployment payments under a new law that raised weekly benefit rates earlier this year. About $34 million in back payments will be issued after the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, UIA, adjusted payments based on the difference between the old and new maximum benefit. “This money will help thousands of Michiganders across the state pay their bills and feed their families,” said UIA Director Jason Palmer in a statement. “Our phone staff is hearing from many, many callers who appreciate receiving the extra money while they search for work.” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill in December to increase unemployment benefits for the first time since 2011.The law went into effect starting Jan. 1, raising weekly benefits from $362 to $446, but the changes didn’t get implemented until April 2. The state reviewed more than 78,000 claims made during that gap, from Jan. 1 to April 1, to figure out who was eligible for higher payments. Of those, about 47,000 were qualified to receive extra money. Eligible claimants can check the Michigan Web Account Manager, MiWAM, for a letter that explains the increased payment based on the jump between the old and new benefit. They will also get a copy of the letter mailed to the address listed on their account. Under the law, unemployment benefits will keeping rising for the next two years. The maximum weekly benefit will go up to $530 starting Jan. 1, 2026 and increases to $614 on Jan. 1, 2027. Amounts will then be set by the state treasurer based on federal data starting in 2026. Other changes in the law include allowing claimants to collect unemployment benefits for 26 weeks, and starting in July 2026, adjusting work reporting rules and allowing someone to be eligible for benefits if they left work due to being a victim of domestic violence. Additional information about the retroactive payments is available on the state’s website. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
See the entire article on Arizona’s unemployment, or, read more Arizona real estate investing news. The choice is up to you.
