UIA Closes Lobbies, Expands Unemployment Eligibility Amid COVID-19
To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has closed its statewide lobbies to the public as of 3 p.m. Wednesday. Only customers with appointments will be allowed entry, prompting the agency to encourage residents to utilize online resources for unemployment assistance.
UIA Director Steve Gray emphasized the importance of this decision. “Michigan is doing all it can to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We are asking residents to protect their health by not going into group settings unless necessary,” Gray stated. Limiting public visits to UIA lobbies and suspending in-person registration and work search requirements are deemed crucial during this public health emergency.
At the time of this announcement, Michigan reported 80 positive COVID-19 cases, with the first death due to virus complications occurring early Wednesday morning. The urgency for expanded unemployment benefits has therefore heightened, as many residents face unexpected job losses or caregiving responsibilities.
In response to the growing crisis, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has temporarily expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits. Key changes include:
- Coverage for workers who have unexpected family care responsibilities, including those needing to tend to children due to school closures.
- Benefits for employees who are sick, quarantined, or immunocompromised without access to paid family and medical leave.
- Support for first responders in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure.
Access to unemployment benefits is also being broadened, with the following adjustments:
- Benefit duration increased from 20 to 26 weeks.
- Application eligibility period extended from 14 to 28 days.
- Suspension of in-person registration and work search requirements.
Individuals seeking unemployment benefits are encouraged to apply online at www.michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 1-866-500-0017. The UIA provides various online resources, including:
- Filing a claim for unemployment benefits.
- Speaking with a customer service agent from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Messaging a customer service agent outside regular hours.
- Managing accounts 24/7.
Additionally, Michigan Works! agencies are urging workers to refrain from visiting their offices during this health crisis. For more resources, visit MichiganWorks.org or call 1-800-285-WORKS.
For those utilizing public assistance programs, including the Bridge Card and Medicaid, it is advisable to stay informed through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and MI Bridges for the latest updates and support.