Great Lakes Wire

Legislation passed in December 2024 will increase unemployment insurance benefits and duration in Michigan, with the changes slated to begin on April 2, 2025. The adjustments to the benefits occur amid rising unemployment figures in Michigan, currently at 5.3%, compared to the national average of 4.1%.

The updated provisions include an increase in the maximum weeks of benefits from 20 to 26 weeks. The maximum weekly benefit amount increases from $362 to $446 this year, expanding further to $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027. Additionally, the amount allocated for each dependent, up to a maximum of five, will rise from $6 to $12.66 this year, climbing to $19.33 in 2026 and $26 in 2027.

Starting in 2028, the state treasurer will determine the weekly benefit and dependent amounts, aligning them with the national Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is part of the U.S. Department of Labor.

The NFIB expressed concerns over the changes, stating, "NFIB will continue to fight to halt increases in UI benefits and their subsequent tax increases for small businesses in this legislative session and beyond."