State Rep. Bronna Kahle today provided Lenawee County residents with updated information about filing unemployment insurance claims in Michigan.

Kahle, of Adrian, said the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency established a new filing schedule based on the first letter of a worker’s last name to help address the high volume of claims the agency is receiving.

“These are trying times, and I know people are worried about how they will make ends meet without an income from their job,” Kahle said. “Unfortunately, many have reported they have been unable to get through to apply for benefits online or through the phone system over the past couple of weeks. I’m hopeful the new filing schedule and other improvements the UIA is making will help more people get through in the coming days.”

People can apply for unemployment online at Michigan.gov/UIA based on the following schedule:

• Last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
• Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Saturdays will be available for anyone who could not file during their allotted window.

The schedule for the call center – 866-500-0017 – is as follows:

• Last names beginning with the letters A-L are asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Last names beginning with the letters M-Z are asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. will be available for anyone who could not file during their allotted window.

Kahle said an executive order was issued by Gov. Whitmer to make it easier for people affected by COVID-19 to qualify and apply for unemployment. The measure allows unemployment benefits to be increased from 20 to 26 weeks, increases the application eligibility period from 14 to 28 days, and suspends the normal in-person registration and work search requirements.

In addition, the federal CARES Act recently signed by President Trump granted benefits to workers who were not previously qualified for state unemployment benefits. This includes self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig, and low-wage workers who can no longer work because of the pandemic.

The CARES Act also increases weekly benefits for all unemployed workers by $600 a week and extends benefit payments from 26 to 39 weeks. Kahle noted anyone who has already applied for unemployment benefits does not need to reapply to receive the additional federal benefits.

More information about unemployment can be found by vising Michigan.gov/UIA.

Kahle and her staff are working remotely, so they can continue to serve residents during the COVID-19 outbreak. People with questions or concerns can reach her office by calling (517) 373-1706 or emailing [email protected]. 

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