Increases to Michigan's unemployment benefits take effect

LANSING, Mich. — Big changes to Michigan's unemployment insurance law went into effect Wednesday.

The new changes include increases to the maximum benefit amount by $84 a week, extending the maximum weeks benefits can be collected to 26, and more than doubles the amount per dependent.

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For new claims filed on April 2 or later, the law increases:

• The maximum weeks of benefits from the current 20 to 26. The minimum number of weeks a worker can be eligible for benefits will still be 14, however.
• The maximum weekly benefit from the current $362 to $446 this year, $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027.
• The amount for each dependent (up to a maximum of five) from the current $6 each to $12.66 each this year, $19.33 each in 2026, and $26 each in 2027.
• Beginning in 2028, the state treasurer will set the weekly benefit and dependent amounts, based on the national Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).

"Unemployment insurance is a temporary lifeline for people who lose a job through no fault of their own, and it gives them income while they search for a new job," said Nick Assendelft, Communications Manager, Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

"Most times people turn around and spend that money in the economy. So, if they're getting unemployment benefits, they're spending that money at the grocery store, at the local small businesses, they're paying their rent, they're making their car payment," added Assendelft.

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Governor Whitmer signed the changes into law in December 2024, but the Legislature didn't give immediate effect to the legislation, so it took effect April 2.

There will be no retroactive change to benefit weeks, since the new 26 week maximum applies to claims filed April 2 or later. Claimants are advised to watch their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account for updates.

This is the first boost to unemployment benefits since 2002, according to state officials.

More information on the new law can be found on the UIA website here.