Sequester reduces unemployment benefits

LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) - As a direct result of across the board budget cuts administered by the federal government, known as sequestration, Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits will be reduced.

The federally funded EUC program provides up to 34 weeks of extended benefits for people who have exhausted their regular state benefits.

For weeks that begin on or after March 31, 2013, claimants who are currently collecting or will be collecting EUC will have their weekly benefit amount reduced by 10.7%.

For example, if a claimant is receiving the average weekly benefit amount of $285.21, their new weekly benefit amount would be $254.69.

The Unemployment Insurance Agency is in the process of notifying claimants affected by this change.

Prior to March 31, a letter will be mailed to claimants informing them of the reduction in their benefits. Claimants should continue to certify with Michigan's Automated Response Voice Interactive Network (MARVIN) on their scheduled day and time.

For additional information regarding the EUC program, claimants may contact the UIA in the following ways:

• Visit the UIA website at www.michigan.gov/uia to review EUC program updates or to submit an inquiry to the Agency's Virtual Problem Resolution (ViPR) agents who are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Call the UIA Emergency Unemployment Compensation hotline at 1.800.638.3995 for pre-recorded updates to EUC program information
• Call the UIA Customer Service Line at 1.866.500.0017. Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Visit a UIA Problem Resolution Office (PRO) for in-person assistance. There are 15 PROs statewide. Visit the UIA website at www.michigan.gov/uia for a list of locations

Due to potentially high-call volumes, and wait times in offices, the Agency recommends customers interact with its ViPR agents through an online claim web account. To register for an online claim web account, visit www.michigan.gov/uia and select "UIA Online Services for Unemployed Workers."  
 
Those who have exhausted unemployment benefits can find additional resources for health care, family support, housing, and more, by visiting www.michigan.gov/helpinghand. Unemployed workers should also visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect at www.mitalent.org to obtain information regarding job and training opportunities.

The UIA continues to partner with Michigan Works! Service Centers to offer valuable re-employment, training and educational opportunities and to provide resource information to claimants regarding other available state resource programs including training and educational opportunities, as well as other supportive services that may be available. Michigan Works! locations can be found at www.michiganworks.org.