As confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Michigan, many Michigan employers have been forced to temporarily layoff workers or scale back operations. If your business or facility is in this position, it is important to know that unemployment benefits will be available to most workers.
The following resources may help you and your employees navigate the system and fulfill the requirements:
- Frequently Asked Questions Related to UI and COVID-19
- Gov. Whitmer Executive Order Expanding Unemployment
- Gov. Whitmer Press Release Explaining Executive Order
- Unemployment Insurance Agency PowerPoint (3/17/20)
- Claiming UI Benefits in Michigan, COVID-19 Guide
- State Guidance to Employers Contemplating Potential Layoffs
The Chamber recognizes that many employers have concerns about the influx of claims outside their control will impact their UI tax rate long-term. We share your concerns and will be advocating that the state expand Executive Order 2020-9 to specify that all employers who are forced to suspend or layoff workers due to COVID-19 will not be charged for UI benefits or suffer higher UI taxes as a result of the pandemic. In addition, we are encouraging state leaders to request funding support from the federal government for the state’s UI Trust Fund to ensure the fund that pays benefits to unemployed workers is solvent and/or to pay COVID-19 related claims.
If you need help with UI matters, please contact our FREE Unemployment Insurance Assistance Hotline at 586-412-0400, ext. 4000. Wendy Block, on Chamber staff, also may be able to help. She may be reached at wblock@michamber.com.