Changes to Michigan’s unemployment insurance law will go into effect next week.
Michigan residents can collect unemployment benefits for longer and could see an increase in the benefit amount with the changes.
“Expanding unemployment benefits isn’t just about supporting workers in tough times — it’s about building a stronger, more resilient economy where every Michigander has the stability to recover, grow and thrive," said Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin. “Increasing these benefits is a step in the right direction to help those navigating a sudden job loss to get back on their feet and to have financial support as they seek new employment.”
Here’s what to expect once the changes take effect on Wednesday, April 2, 2025:
Number of weeks to collect benefits extended
The maximum number of weeks that benefits can be collected will increase from 20 to 26.
The minimum number of weeks a Michigander can be eligible to collect benefits will remain at 14 weeks.
Increased benefits
The maximum benefit amount will increase in phases over the next three years.
This will bring the maximum weekly benefit from $362 to $446 in 2025, $530 in 2026 and $614 in 2027.
Then in 2028, the treasurer will determine a new amount based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index.
This weekly benefit increase is the first since it was increased to $362 in 2002, according to the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity.
Amount per dependent increased
In addition to the maximum weekly benefit amount, the amount per dependent will more than double.
It will increase from $6 each to $12.66 each in 2025, $19.33 each in 2026 and $26 each in 2027.
A person can have up to five dependents.
Will everyone see a change in their benefit amount?
These changes will not bring increased benefits for everyone who has filed a claim, according to the agency. The amount someone receives is based on how much in wages was earned during their benefit year.
What if I filed a claim before April 2, 2025?
Even though the law goes into effect on April 2, those who have filed claims since Jan. 1, 2025, may be able to receive the increased benefits.
“Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed the changes to unemployment law in December, but the Legislature did not give immediate effect to the legislation, meaning the earliest the changes could be implemented is April 2,” according to a release from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
But, the legislation set Jan. 1, 2025, as the effective date for residents to start receiving the increased benefits.
So, the Unemployment Insurance Agency will review active claims on a “case-by-case basis” for those who filed for unemployment benefits between Jan. 1 and April 2, and determine which qualify for the higher benefit and dependent amounts.
If so, the claimant will be paid the difference. There won’t be any changes to the benefit weeks for those who have already filed claims, as the new maximum of 26 weeks only applies to claims filed on or after April 2.
Anyone who has filed a claim should check their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account for updates.
For more information about the changes, visit here.
