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

The additional Weekly unemployment payments of $ 300 for residents who meet the requirements for relief from COVID-19 will be delayed in Michigan, officials reported.

Congress approved a COVID-19 relief package that expands federal unemployment programs for unemployment assistance in pandemic unemployment cases and emergency unemployment compensation in pandemic emergencies.

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

The programs, which will provide an extra $ 300 a week for anyone who receives them unemployment benefits, have been extended until March 14, officials announced.

According to a statement posted on the state website, Michigan and all other states will have to wait until a Department of Labor guidance is published before the provisions of the act can be enforced.

“Due to the timing of the end of the legislation, there will be a delay in certification and payment of benefits for those currently enrolled in the federal PUA and PEUC programs beginning Dec. 26,” a statement said. “This will only be an interruption and claimants will be integrated once the extensions have been fully implemented.”

Department of Labor guidelines will set new rules that must be interpreted and revised in Michigan, officials said.

“We will need to upgrade our systems to expand benefits and renew the $ 300 FPUC overpayments,” the statement said. “Keep consulting the UIA website, as we will provide more information as it becomes available. You do not need to contact the UIA customer service number regarding the new legislation ”.

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

Year-end tax returns for everyone who received unemployment benefits in 2020 will be available online in mid-January. Residents can receive a statement requesting a copy through MiWAM before January 2nd.

Existing PUA and PEUC claimants should complete any pending certificates by December 26th. Log in to your MiWAM account and click the inactive PUA or PEUC claim. Pending certifications to be completed will appear on the “Alerts” tab.