Why the start of additional $ 300 weekly unemployment benefits is delayed in Michigan

The additional $ 300 Weekly Unemployment Benefits Residents who qualify for COVID-19 will see aid delayed in Michigan, officials said.

Congress approved a COVID-19 relief package that expands the federal unemployment programs Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation.

“This federal extension will provide much-needed assistance to nearly 700,000 Michigan workers who are currently receiving benefits under the PUA and PEUC programs,” said Liza Estlund Olson, acting director of the Un Employment Insurance Agency. “The continuation of these benefits coupled with the additional $ 300 in weekly payments for all claimants will provide our employees with the emergency financial assistance to purchase essential items such as groceries and prescription drugs.”

The programs, which bring in an additional $ 300 per week for everyone who receives unemployment benefits, have been extended through March 14, officials announced.

According to a notice posted on the state website, Michigan and all other states must wait for the Department of Labor guidelines to be issued before the provisions can be implemented into law.

“Due to the timing of the legislation’s finalization, there will be a delay in the certification and payment of benefits for those currently enrolled in the federal PUA and PEUC programs beginning Dec. 26,” said a release. “This will only be a disruption and claimants will be cured once the extensions are fully implemented.”

Guidance from the Department of Labor will outline new rules to be interpreted and revised in Michigan, officials said.

“We will have to update our systems to extend the benefits and extend the additional $ 300 FPUC,” the release says. “Please keep visiting the UIA website as we will provide more information as it becomes available. There is no need to contact UIA customer service due to the new legislation. “

Michigan’s UIA, like all state departments, is closed Thursday and Friday for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Year-end tax returns for anyone receiving unemployment benefits in 2020 will be available online in mid-January. Residents can receive a statement by requesting a copy via MiWAM no later than January 2.

Existing PUA and PEUC claimants must complete all outstanding certifications through December 26. Log in to your MiWAM account and click on the inactive PUA or PEUC claim. Outstanding certifications to be completed are listed in the “Alerts” tab.