Michigan residents receiving unemployment benefits must now show that they are looking for work at three times the rate they were previously required in order to keep getting their benefits.
New requirements that took effect July 19 mandate the beneficiaries log at least three “work activities” each week, up from the previous requirement of one per week, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity officials said.
The change stems from legislation passed in December 2024 that updated Michigan’s unemployment laws.
“These are the most significant updates to Michigan’s unemployment system in years — and every worker needs to understand what’s changing,” said Jason Palmer, Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency director, in a press release. “While the increase may mean a bit more effort each week, it also opens more pathways back to stable employment.”
Accepted job search activities include applying for jobs in person or online, attending job fairs, creating a profile or resume on a job site such or participating in job search workshops or seminars.
Unemployed Michiganians who fail to report three activities per week will not receive their benefits and may have to return money they should not have received, officials said.
Several other changes related to the state’s unemployment program have also recently gone into effect:
Officials also noted that, starting Jan. 1, the maximum weekly benefit will rise from $530 to $614 while future increases tied to the federal Consumer Price Index will begin in 2028.
For information, visit the state’s webpage regarding the changes at Michigan.gov/UIALawChanges.
mreinhart@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Unemployment benefits are harder to get now in Michigan. What changed?
Reporting by Max Reinhart, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Max Reinhart, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
