Your Money: Unemployment questions

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Gov. Jennifer Granholm just signed legislation extending unemployment benefits an extra seven weeks. Sharon Moffet-Massey was here from the Unemployment Insurance Agency to answer your questions.

"As a small business employer, I am wondering exactly how these extensions are being handled against the employer's account," one
participant asked.

Asked another on the same topic: "Are the extended benefits charged to the federal government or the employer(s)?"

The extended benefits will not be charged to Michigan employers, Moffet-Massey said. It would be the federal government.

"Who qualifies for the extensions we keep hearing about?" a participant asked. "I was an Electrolux worker and have long since exhausted my unemployment benefits and have been unable to find a job. When I have asked Michigan Works if I qualify for extensions, I have always been told 'if you do, you will be notified.' I have never been notified, so I was wondering who gets the extensions."

You will be notified by mail if you're on the extentions list, Moffet-Massey said.

If you had a question for Moffet-Massey that was not answered on-air, or you think of one, send us an e-mail and we will forward it to her and the staff at the agency.

Below are some of the most frequently asked unemployment questions and answers:

Q: Who qualifies for the seven-week extension that Granholm signed into law on April 13?
A: Anyone who already is receiving extended benefits qualifies for the additional extension. This will happen automatically. You do not need to file anything additional with the UIA. If you still are on your initial 26 weeks of benefits, you will only qualify when, or if, you exhaust your current benefits.

Q: How many extensions are in place currently?
A: If you lose your job today, the current extensions allow you to receive a total of 79 weeks of unemployment benefits.

Q: How would a pension impact unemployment benefits?
A: It depends. If your employer pays any part of your pension, it will reduce your benefits amount to some degree. However, if you, the
employee, paid 100 percent of your own pension, that income will not impact your benefits.

Q: Does social security impact unemployment benefits?
A: No. Social security payments have no impact on unemployment benefits. However, receiving social security in itself does not make you eligible for unemployment. You still have to meet all the eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits.

Q: How does a severance package impact unemployment benefits?
A: It depends. If your severance is allocated, which means it will be paid out over a number of weeks following your job loss, it will impact your benefits for the weeks over which it is received. If, however, your severance is paid in one lump sum, it will only impact your benefits for the week you receive that money.

Q: Are benefits available for people who are underemployed?
A: Generally, yes. It depends on your current gross wages compared to your previous income. However, if you're receiving benefits and take a part-time job because that's all you can find, you still will receive benefits, though they will be reduced based on your new income. Also, if you've been fully employed, but your employer cuts your hours, you are entitled to some benefits. When in doubt, you should file. If your efforts to get through to the unemployment phone line fail repeatedly, you can email us. We will forward your email to the UIA, and a representative will contact you.

Q: How does school or retraining impact benefits?
A: It doesn't, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. If you're in a Michigan Works!-sanctioned training program, you can get a "seeking work" waiver, which allows you to continue receiving benefits even if you're not actively looking for a job. But if you're going to school on your own, you can receive benefits only if you're still available to seek work during the hours you were previously employed. That means that, if you worked from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in your previous job, you need to be available to go back to work during that time. You would need to take online courses or late afternoon/evening classes to continue receiving your full benefits.

Q: How much can I make without impacting my benefits amount?
A: Nothing. Any income you earn will reduce your benefit amount to some degree.

Q: How will seasonal employment impact my benefits?
A: If you get a seasonal job that is full-time, you will not receive benefits during that period. However, when that seasonal employment ends, you can refile your claim and continue receiving benefits.

Q: If I take a voluntary lay off, will I still be able to receive benefits?
A: Generally, yes. If your employer offers you a "voluntary" layoff because your job probably won't be there otherwise, the UIA will most likely consider that nonvoluntary, thus allowing you to receive full benefits. However, it always depends on your unique situation. The UIA advises anyone who has a question to go ahead and file so the agency can make a determination. Do not delay. When it doubt, file!