Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Extends Benefits by 20 Weeks

Workers whose regular state and federal unemployment benefits run out are getting another 20 weeks of aid.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) on Thursday announced the extension, which now allows for a maximum of 59 weeks of unemployment benefits — 26 for state and 13 weeks of federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation.

“The Extended Benefit program will provide a much-needed safety net for Michiganders who have exhausted their current benefits and are still dealing with the long-term effects of unemployment due to COVID-19,” UIA Director Steve Gray said in a news release.

The coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying economic shutdown resulted in more than 1 million lost jobs. Michigan’s unemployment rate soared to 24% in April and dropped to 8.7% in August. For the week ending Sept. 19, more than 400,000 in the state were claiming unemployment insurance.

*Originally posted in Crain’s Detroit Business.