The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is requesting federal funding that would provide an additional $300 per week to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits.
“Right now, there are an unprecedented number of Michiganders who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will provide some much needed support for families that are struggling to put food on the table or pay their bills, but it’s a short term band aid that falls short of what’s needed,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a press release. “A robust Congressional recovery package that meets the scale of this crisis is what’s needed to help individuals who have lost work as a result of the pandemic get through this unprecedented time.”
The program would also allow for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation. Those eligible will be paid benefits retroactive to Aug. 1.
State officials say it is not clear currently how long funding for the program will last.
“We look forward to receiving a response from FEMA in order to implement and distribute these additional funds to Michiganders as quickly as possible,” UIA Director Steve Gray said in a press release. “Michigan workers are advised to continue their bi-weekly certifications as they normally would and do not need to contact the UIA or make changes to their MiWAM account to receive these additional funds.”
