MICHIGAN — Significant changes to Michigan’s unemployment insurance law will take effect April 2.
The law will raise the maximum benefit amount by $84 per week. It also increases the number of weeks a dependent can receive benefits by more than doubling.
“Expanding unemployment benefits isn’t just about helping workers in difficult times—it’s about building a stronger, more resilient economy in which 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.”
The law makes the following changes for new claims filed on or after April 2:
- Maximum number of weeks benefits can be claimed increase from 20 to 26 (The minimum number of weeks an eligible worker can claim will remain 14.)
- Maximum weekly benefits increase from $362 to $446 for this year, then will increase to $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027.
- The amount for each dependent (maximum of five) will increase from the current $6 each to $12.66 each for 2025, then $19.33 each in 2026, and $26 each in 2027.
- Starting in 2028, the state treasurer will set weekly benefit and dependent amounts that are based on the national Consumer Price Index, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the U.S Department of Labor (USDOL)
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the changes to the unemployment law in December. However, the legislature did not give the legislation immediate effect, so the changes will not be implemented until April 2.
The effective date for Michigan residents to receive higher benefits and dependent amounts began January 1. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) will conduct a case-by-case review of active claims filed between January 1 and April 2. They will then make retroactive decisions on claims.
There will be no retroactive changes to benefit weeks. This is due to the new 26-week maximum, which only applies to claims filed after April 2.
For more information about the new law, go to Michigan.gov/UIA.
