Michigan has this crazy idea that you should actually have to prove you're looking for work in order to get unemployment benefits from the state. Crazy, right? 🤯 Apparently, “I spent three hours scrolling job postings while eating cereal in my underwear” is not convincing enough. Anyway, they just passed a new law about it, but if you can provide that proof (which really isn't a high bar to clear) there's some extra silver lining for you. Read on for the details!
Here are Five Fast Facts on Michigan's recent unemployment law change:
- 👀 What Changed? - The key change is that the requirement jumped from one "work search activity" per week up to three. Folks have to report these activities when they request benefits, including details such as the employer, job title, date and contact method.
- 🕐 Let's Talk Timeline - The three-activity requirement actually began in July, so if you haven't been doing it, you've probably already realized the connection between that and a lack of a check.
- ✔️ What Counts? - To check the box, a job seeker can apply for jobs (either online or in person), visit job fairs, or participate in workshops or seminars. Browsing online job postings doesn’t count, and neither does applying for the same job more than once a month. “I looked at Indeed really hard” remains unimpressive.
- 📈 Going Up - The good news is that the new law also increases the max weekly unemployment benefit, from $530 to $614 on Jan. 1. That’s an $84 weekly increase, or $4,368 per year if someone somehow collected the maximum for 52 weeks (which unemployment benefits do not legally allow).
- 🤦 Oopsie Daisie - What happens if you *ahem* miss the requirement? Not reporting three valid activities means losing benefits for that week! So forgetting your job-search homework could turn “I’m between jobs” into “I’m between jobs and money.”
🔥Bottom line: Michigan’s message is pretty simple: unemployment benefits aren't a gravy train anymore! You've gotta play the game, and the game's got some new rules; your next paycheck may depend on proving you’re trying to actually earn one! So happy hunting, Michiganders - may your applications be many and your rejections be few!
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