$300 Weekly Unemployment Benefit Boost Begins for Michigan Workers
More than 900,000 Michigan workers collecting unemployment benefits will receive a $300 weekly increase in payments starting this month, as the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) processes payments for Lost Wages Assistance (LWA).
This bump in benefits is crucial for those affected by economic disruptions due to COVID-19, as it aims to supplement existing unemployment payments. The LWA, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), requires that claimants have a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 before deductions to qualify.
“Initially, eligible claimants will receive LWA for the benefit weeks ending August 1, August 8, and August 15, 2020,” said UIA Director Steve Gray, who estimates that approximately 910,000 claimants will benefit from this essential support.
Importantly, workers do not need to file a separate claim or application for LWA. Most claimants can simply self-certify their unemployment status related to COVID-19. If you have already provided self-certification when filing your claim, you will not need to take any further action. Additionally, all unemployed workers receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) have already completed this self-certification step.
For those who need to self-certify their status, the UIA will notify you to answer a question in your MiWAM account starting this week. If you opted to receive notifications by mail, you will receive this communication through traditional mail.
It is also essential for claimants to be aware that FEMA has stated LWA funds will be available for only a total of six weeks. While states were initially granted three weeks of benefits, the UIA has applied for all available weeks, which are payable until the week ending September 5.
This temporary financial support can make a significant difference for families facing hardships during this trying time. If you have questions regarding your unemployment benefits or need assistance, consider reaching out to Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or using resources like MI Bridges for additional support.