Article Summary –
Nearly 48,000 Michigan residents will receive $34 million in retroactive unemployment benefits following a law signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, which increased the maximum weekly unemployment benefits from $362 to $446 and the payment per dependent from $6 to $12.66. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency reviewed 78,000 claims to determine eligibility for these increased benefits, and individuals can check their Michigan Web Account Manager for monetary redetermination letters. This legislation, receiving bipartisan support, marks the first increase in Michigan unemployment payments since 2003 and extends the benefit period from 20 to 26 weeks, reversing previous cuts.
Nearly 48,000 Michigan residents will receive $34 million in retroactive unemployment payments, as announced by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity on July 17.
After December’s bill signing by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Michigan’s maximum weekly unemployment benefits rose from $362 to $446, and the payment per dependent increased from $6 to $12.66, capped at five dependents.
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency reviewed 78,000 claims filed between January 1, 2025, and April 1, 2025, to identify those eligible for higher weekly unemployment benefits.
“This money will help thousands of Michiganders pay bills and feed families,” stated Jason Palmer, Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Director. “Our staff receives many calls from appreciative recipients searching for work.”
Claimants should check their Michigan Web Account Manager for a monetary redetermination letter detailing their benefit changes. The unemployment agency will also mail a copy to the claimant’s registered address.
Individuals not receiving a letter did not qualify for benefit changes. The law doesn’t guarantee increased benefits for everyone, the agency noted.
This is the first Michigan unemployment payment boost since 2003. Incremental increases will continue: in 2026, the maximum weekly benefit will rise to $530 ($19.33 for dependents) and in 2027, to $614 ($26 for dependents). Future yearly adjustments will be inflation-based.
The law also extended unemployment benefit duration from 20 to 26 weeks, reversing 2011 Republican cuts.
The increase received bipartisan support: Republicans Sen. Ed McBroom, Reps. Dave Prestin, and Greg Markkanen joined Democrats in favor.
Ron Bieber, president of Michigan AFL-CIO, called the benefit expansion a “decade-long victory” for workers. “Michigan’s workers deserve a safety net to support their families during tough times. Now, our benefits are restored after lagging behind other states. We commend the bipartisan effort that prioritized the working class.”
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