The new found success of the Michigan economy will have some collateral damage on February 18, 2012, when the Extended Benefit (EB) program ends. Because of the drop in the Michigan unemployment rate, the state is now below the threshold required by federal law to continue the EB program according to a press release issued by the State Unemployment Insurance Agency Friday.
Additionally, those currently receiving benefits from Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) will not be able to receive EB once their benefits run out.
At the beginning of the year 268,924 Michiganders were receiving benefits in one of the state or federal programs according to figures released by the state.
Michigan fell below the required level on January 28, 2012, but the program allows for a three week phase out allowing the unemployed to be notified and prepare for the lost income.
The federal EB program kicks in with up to 20 weeks of extra unemployment checks after an unemployed exhausts their state unemployment benefits and the federal EUC benefits.
According to the state’s LARA website, unemployed workers with online web accounts with the UIA can check their "Benefit Payment History" for information about their remaining weeks of benefits. They also point out that workers who have not established online accounts can call MARVIN at 1-866-638-3993 and press option 2.
Help and information from the state
Additional information about the end of EB will be posted on the UIA website and available through pre-recorded updates on the agency's new toll-free unemployment update line, 1-800-638-3995.
For those experiencing the end of their unemployment, Michigan’s Helping Hand program is available. The program offers resources for health care, family support, housing, and more.
Unemployed workers should also visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect to obtain information regarding job and training opportunities for those still unemployed.
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