Michigan residents outraged to find unemployment office thought to be open is still closed

Struggle continues for Michiganders fighting to get unemployment benefits

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Michigan unemployment filers are fuming Monday after they showed up to an office that was supposed to be open and found it is still shut down.

This is the latest bump in the road for Michiganders struggling to claim their unemployment benefits.

READ: Michigan lawmaker wants Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to overhaul state’s unemployment agency

To say people are upset would be an understatement. Some drove a long distance, hoping to finally talk with a real person at the Michigan Unemployment Agency.

Residents saw online that the office in Sterling Heights would be open Monday, and all day, a steady stream of people arrived and were disappointed to learn that wasn’t the case.

There’s a sign hung on the door, and “coronavirus” is spelled incorrectly.

PREVIOUSLY: Attorney threatens lawsuit over Michigan freezing unemployment payments

There is some good news on the unemployment front. Thousands of people who had their benefits locked as fraud investigations got underway learned that lock had been lifted. Their money should be coming once again.

But there are still thousands of Michiganders in limbo, waiting for their benefits.

You can watch Hank Winchester’s full report in the video posted above.


About the Authors:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.