Residents in 9 Michigan counties can file for disaster unemployment assistance benefits

Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties covered by disaster declaration

Those affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding last August must meet qualifications to apply

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Michigan residents affected by severe storms that struck parts of Michigan in August 2023. Residents whose employment or self-employment was interrupted by the disaster have until March 27, 2024, to file for jobless benefits.

Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA-# 4757 DR applies to workers in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne counties, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) announced today.

DUA is available to Michiganders who were affected by tornadoes, severe storms, and flooding between Aug. 24, 2023, and Aug. 26, 2023.

Individuals can receive up to 50 weeks of benefits as long as continued unemployment is a direct result of the disastrous weather. Eligibility for DUA will be determined on a week-to-week basis.

Criteria to apply for DUA

To be eligible for DUA benefits, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:

• Apply for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
• Not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits from any state.
• Be an unemployed or self-unemployed worker whose unemployment was a direct result of the major disaster declared by the president.
• Be a U.S. national or a qualified alien.
• Worked or was self-employed, or was scheduled to begin work or self-employment in one of the nine counties.
• Establish that the work or self-employment that can no longer be performed was a primary source of income.

Applicants must also meet one or more of these criteria:

• Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment due to the disaster.

• Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury caused by the disaster.
• Became the breadwinner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of the household as a direct result of this disaster.
• Cannot work or perform self-employment due to closure of a facility by the federal government as a direct result of this disaster.
• Was to begin work and no longer has a job or is unable to reach the job as a direct result of the disaster.

Required documentation for DUA

To file for DUA, individuals will need:

• Their Social Security number.
• The name and address of their last employer or prospective employer.
• Proof that they were employed or self-employed or were scheduled to begin (or resume) a job or self-employment when the disaster occurred.

Proof of employment can be submitted at the time of filing or within 21 days of filing a claim. If proof of employment is not provided, the claim will be denied. A copy of the most recent federal income tax forms or check stubs may also be required. Self-employed individuals should also provide Schedules SE and Schedule C or Schedule F.

Download a DUA information packet to file a claim.

Applications can be mailed beginning Feb. 27 to:

    Unemployment Insurance Agency
    Multi-Service Center
    9023 Joseph Campau
    Hamtramck, MI 48212

New ways UIA helps workers, employers

The UIA recently announced new resources that will make it easier for claimants to apply for unemployment benefits, including:

• The UIA Claimant Roadmap, a six-step guide to applying for and understanding your benefits. The roadmap is an easy-to-follow, user-friendly resource that can be found at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap.
• Online First-time Filer Coaching Session for web-based guidance from UIA staff who explain in a group setting the steps that are needed to complete an accurate application for benefits. Sign up at Michigan.gov/UIA.
• The UIA Community Connect program is an equity initiative that partners with local groups throughout the state to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
• The UIA Modernization Workgroup advises the UIA on ways to improve how the agency can better serve Michigan workers and employers. The unique collaborative includes representatives from the labor, business, and jobless communities.
• New advocates have been hired as part of the Advocacy Program and their pay increased. Advocates prepare workers and employers for appeal hearings of UIA determinations before an independent administrative law judge.
• Available times to schedule appointments have been extended to 14 days in advance to meet with trained, professional staff about their claims. Appointments can be made in person at any of UIA’s Local Offices around Michigan, by phone, or virtually.
• Revamping the agency’s public website at Michigan.gov/UIA to be more user-friendly and responsive for those accessing services using cell phones or tablets.

At any time, workers can go to Michigan.gov/UIA and schedule future phone, virtual, and Local Office in-person appointments; find answers to frequently asked questions; or access resources, toolkits, and instructional videos.

Need help or have questions about a claim?

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		Go to the UIA Claimant Roadmap First-time Filers Coaching Sessions
		Go to the Employer Help Center