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LEO: Thousands of Michiganders Receive $34 Million in Back Payments Under Unemployment Law Benefits Increase

Michigan Business Network: UIA logo
Michigan Business Network: LEO logo

Nearly 48,000 Michiganders are receiving retroactive unemployment payments following a review of their claims based on new, higher weekly benefit rates signed into law in December. Totaling $34 million, the back payments were issued after a thorough review by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

Claimants should check their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account for a Monetary Redetermination Letter. The letter explains the increase in payments based on the difference between the old and new maximum benefit. Claimants also will receive a copy of the letter mailed to the address listed on their account.

“This money will help thousands of Michiganders across the state pay their bills and feed their families,” said UIA Director Jason Palmer. “Our phone staff is hearing from many, many callers who appreciate receiving the extra money while they search for work. This is one of the many benefits from bipartisan legislation signed into law by Governor Whitmer last December.”

More than 78,000 claims filed between Jan. 1, 2025, and April 1, 2025, were reviewed to determine eligibility to receive an increase in weekly benefit amounts, based on Public Act 173 of 2024 which raised the maximum weekly benefit to $446 from $362. Of the more than 78,000, approximately 47,900 qualified to receive retroactive payments.

Claimants who do not receive a Monetary Redetermination Letter did not qualify for a change in their benefits. The change in the law does not guarantee a claimant will receive higher benefits.

5 things to know about the claims review

  • Review timeframe. Claims filed prior to Jan. 1 will not be reviewed for a possible weekly benefit rate adjustment. UIA reviewed claims filed between Jan. 1 and April 1, 2025, the dates set by the passage of the legislation.
  • Notifications: Watch MiWAM accounts and the U.S. mail for a Monetary Redetermination Letter with details about a new weekly benefit amount. Those determined to be ineligible for an adjustment to benefits will not receive a letter.
  • Receiving funds. Additional benefits will be paid in one lump sum either loaded onto a debit card or deposited directly into a bank account, whichever option the claimant has chosen. Taxes will be taken out if that’s the claimant’s preference.
  • Disagree with UIA? Claimants have the right to protest and appeal UIA’s monetary redetermination. For directions, see UIA’s Protests and Appeals webpage.
  • No review of weeks. While the changes in unemployment law increase the maximum number of weeks of benefits to 26 (up from 20), that is not part of the retroactive benefits review. Claims will only be reviewed for changes to benefits.

Available to claimants and employers is a detailed FAQ that explains more about the retroactive claims review process.

Public Act 173 of 2024, which went into effect on April 2, 2025, also increased the payment per dependent (up to five maximum) to $12.66, up from $6.

Future changes in the unemployment law

There will be other changes to Michigan’s unemployment law in the coming years:

  • On Jan. 1, 2026, the maximum weekly benefit will go up to $530; and increases to $614 on Jan. 1, 2027.
  • On Jan. 1, 2026, the amount for each dependent goes up to $19.33; and increases to $26 on Jan. 1, 2027.
  • Starting in 2028, the state Treasurer annually will set the weekly benefit and dependent amounts, based on the national Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), part of the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).
  • Beginning in July 2026, claimants will be required to record three work search activities each week, up from the current one work search per week.
  • Also in July 2026, the law will allow an individual to be qualified for unemployment benefits if the individual left work due to being a victim of domestic violence.

UIA offers solutions for workers, employers

The benefits increase is another way UIA is helping Michigan workers and employers under its modernization plan to be a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service. Some of the innovative solution-based resources UIA has developed include:

  • The UIA Claimant Roadmap, a six-step, user-friendly guide to applying for and understanding benefits. Access the roadmap at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap.
  • Online Coaching Sessions, which are web-based group sessions on topics such as filing a first-time claim, understanding a Monetary Determination Letter, the protest and appeals process, and seeking work and registration requirements. The First-time Filer Coaching Session is also available in Spanish.
  • A comprehensive library of helpful resources for federal employees who have been terminated can be found at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.
  • Expanded free legal help through the Advocacy Program to help more workers and employers with appeals of UIA redeterminations.
  • The UIA Economic Dashboard, which provides a deep dive into underlying data and trends in unemployment insurance in Michigan at Michigan.gov/UIAEconomicDashboard.
  • The UIA Modernization Workgroup, a coalition of thought leaders from the labor, business, and jobless advocate communities who provide insight into how the agency can better serve Michigan’s workers and employers.
  • The plain-language Employer Help Center at Michigan.gov/UIAEmployerHelpCenter that answers employers’ questions about unemployment tax and claim issues.

Need help or have questions?

Meet with us: Schedule an in-person, phone, or virtual meeting at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Chat with us: Available through MiWAM Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ask us: UIA’s chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA can answer many claimant and employer questions.

Search us online: FAQs, videos, toolkits, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Talk with us: Claimants can call 1-866-500-0017, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Employers can call the Office of Employer Ombudsman at 1-855-484-2636, Option 4.

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