Michigan’s Work Share program allows employers to restart their business and bring employees back from unemployment. Employers can bring employees back with reduced hours - while employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of the lost wages. Employers can also retain their current workforce and are given the flexibility to choose which of their employees are part of a Work Share plan.
Michigan's Work Share program eligibility requirements have been expanded through March 13, 2021.
Work Share Requirements:
How It Works
With the Work Share program, a worker receives a reduced salary from an employer, but is given a percentage of their state unemployment benefits The reduction in work hours must result in an equivalent reduction in wages.
Example: If a worker’s weekly wages are $1,000, yet the employer needs to reduce their salary/hours by 30%. Under Work Share, their weekly salary would be $700 ($1,000 – 30% = $700). Plus 30% of their state unemployment benefits ($362 maximum x .30 = $108).
As businesses are reopened, Work Share can help employers bring back their employees from unemployment faster and allows employers to retain their workforce and avoid layoffs.
Employers – Learn More About the Work Share program
These informative webinars are for employers interested in the Work Share program, a program that allows businesses to restart their business and bring employees back from unemployment. Employers can bring employees back with reduced hours, while employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of the lost wages. The presentation is about 35 minutes. If you have questions after viewing the recorded webinar, please join an employer Q & A session to have your questions answered by a Work Share team member.
Full Employer Webinar Presentation (Power Point presentation)
How to Apply
Employers may file an application online through the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM).
For more information, call the Office of Employer Ombudsman at 1-855-484-2636.
Things to know for Work Share employers experiencing a temporary shutdown