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Quickfacts:
- The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation Program now offers expanded benefits to those impacted by COVID-19 in Michigan – this includes business owners, independent contractors and gig/low-wage workers with limited work history.
- The Michigan WorkShare Program could be an option for your employees to receive partial unemployment.
- If you cannot keep your employees in payroll, the State recommends that you do NOT terminate but rather place them on leave.
- Your business may be eligible for payroll reimbursement through emergency loan programs from the Small Business Administration.
Expanded Benefits for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
Benefits now available to workers who do not already qualify, including self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig and low-wage workers and those with a limited work history.
- Benefits for all unemployed workers are increased by $600 a week above amount typically awarded through state unemployment insurance for up to four months (ending December 31, 2020)
- Payments extended from standard 20 weeks to 39 weeks
- Application eligibility period increased from 14 to 28 days
- In-person registration and work search requirements suspended
Temporary Leave vs. Termination
The State’s Advice: If you cannot afford to keep employees, instead of terminating them, the state recommends you place them on temporary leave. This gives Michigan more access to resources to provide support for a longer period of time.
WorkShare Program
Our Advice: If your business can afford it, this is an option to reduce an full time employees’ hours so they can collect partial unemployment.
