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Fact Sheet 165C - Seasonal Workers

Fact Sheet 165C - Seasonal Workers

Seasonal Workers

How seasonal work can affect your unemployment benefits.

Am I a seasonal worker/employee?

You are a seasonal worker/employee if you worked for a seasonal employer.

What is a seasonal employer?

An employer is seasonal if:

  • The employer operates for 26 weeks or less in a 52-week period.
  • The employer applied for seasonal status with the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).
  • UIA approved the employer’s request for seasonal status.

Seasonal status does not apply to the construction industry.

Will I receive unemployment payments if I work for a seasonal employer?

No
Payments may be denied if:		 Yes
Payments may be paid if:
  1. Your employer applied for seasonal status with UIA and was approved.
  2. Your employer posted both the Application for Seasonal Status (Form UIA 1155) and the Notice of Employer’s Seasonal Status (Form UIA 1156).
    • The notices must be in a place for all employees to clearly and easily see.
    • The notices must include the beginning and ending dates of the normal working season.
  3. Your employer gave you written notice that you are a seasonal employee, and you may be denied unemployment benefits during the period between seasons.
  4. Your employer gave you “reasonable assurance” of returning to work the next season.
  5. Your first and last days of work are within the normal seasonal period.
  1. You worked before or after the dates of the normal season.
  2. You worked for other employers.
  3. Your employer did not meet all 5 conditions listed in the left column.
  4. Your employer gave you “reasonable assurance” but did not bring you back to work the next season.

You must file a claim and certify as instructed to potentially receive benefits.
“Reasonable assurance” is the employer’s honest belief that they will bring you back to work in the next season in the same job you previously performed, or in a job that is like the job, location, wages, and benefits you previously had.

What are my rights?

  • You have the right to file a claim regardless of your situation. Don’t wait to file! Your claim starts the week you file.
    • The only way to receive possible benefits is to file your application and certify. You need to file your application the first week you are unemployed, even if you have “reasonable assurance”. If you wait to file, benefits may be delayed or stopped.
  • You have the right to protest any decision made by the UIA.
    • Instruction for when and how to protest or appeal will be included in your determination or redetermination letter. Read it carefully.
    • Don’t wait! UIA must receive your protest or appeal by the deadline listed on your determination or redetermination.
Need help understanding the process? View the UIA Claimant Roadmap on our website. Also refer to the UIA 1901, Unemployment Benefits in Michigan Handbook for more information about your rights and responsibilities. The booklet can be found online at Michigan.gov/UIA.

 

Fact Sheet 165C: Seasonal Workers

Updated July 2026