How Do I Get Approved For Unemployment

What Is Unemployment Insurance

Millions of Americans were living paycheck before the coronavirus came along. What happens when they face unexpected job loss? Thats where UI comes in.

The UI system is a joint federal-state program that provides aid to workers whove lost their job or a substantial portion of their income. The program is designed to help workers get through a temporary spell of joblessness, so they can still afford to pay bills and keep food on the table while they look for a new job.

How To Find Out If I Was Approved Or Denied For Unemployment Benefits

Whether youâve filed for unemployment through your stateâs website, by phone, through the mail or in person, it takes some time for your application to process due to the research your state has to do to verify your claim. While youâre waiting for your money, you might wonder how youâll know if you get approved or denied. Tracking your claim status is usually as easy as viewing your claim online or calling your stateâs unemployment office. Eventually, your state will let you know via letter about the claim decision along with any further action needed from you.

How Do I Get A Replacement Michigan Unemployment Debit Card

If your Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card is lost or stolen, heres how to get a replacement.

Contact Bank of America Unemployment Debit Card Service toll-free at 1-866-436-1964.

Alternatively, you can reach customer service online at www.bankofamerica.com/miuiadebitcard.

If the card has been used, the bank will issue the replacement card in the amount of the remaining balance.

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Who Qualifies For Unemployment Benefits

An easy rule of thumb for UI eligibility is, if youve lost a substantial amount of income through no fault of your own, you could be eligible for UI. Thats because UI isnt just reserved for individuals who involuntarily lost their jobs. Workers who have been furloughed but are still on their employers payrolls are eligible, as are those whose hours have been significantly reduced and those whove quit for fear of exposure to the virus.

Freelancers and other gig economy workers can also now apply, under the third fiscal care package. Those who are self-employed with a limited liability company or S corporation can also qualify. Typically, these workers are excluded.

But it still doesnt apply to everyone. Individuals who are able to work from home with pay arent eligible for benefits, nor are those receiving paid leave from their employer, says Michele Evermore, senior policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project who specializes in unemployment insurance. Nor are those whove lost their job for a reason thats their own fault, such as misconduct or negligence.

Even if theres just a small chance that you could qualify, still apply, and do it as soon as you can, Evermore says.

How Do I Apply For Unemployment Benefits In Michigan

Michigan residents who have recently lost their job can apply for unemployment benefits online or through the Michigan unemployment phone number. It is important to file for benefits within the first week of losing your job.

If you are having difficulty with either system, you can also visit one of several Michigan unemployment office locations. For any questions or concerns about your Michigan unemployment, contact an unemployment insurance representative as soon as possible so that your weekly claims are not delayed or terminated.

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How Do I File My Bi

After applying for benefits, you need to request benefit payment in CONNECT on a biweekly basis .

It is important that you request your benefits within 7 days of your scheduled date regardless of your claim status.

The CONNECT home page will provide you with your scheduled report date.

You will use the Request Benefit Payment link on your home page. This link will not appear until your scheduled report date.

The video below from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity provides a great summary of how to request your benefit payments.

Guidelines For Qualifying For Unemployment Benefits

How can you tell if you’re eligible to receive unemployment? Each state sets guidelines that determine whether an individual will be eligible for unemployment benefits, and how much compensation they will receive.

There are eligibility requirements to qualify for unemployment benefits, including having worked a certain number of weeks for a certain number of hours each week. Those guidelines also determine how many weeks of benefits an unemployed worker can collect.

You’ll find detailed information regarding eligibility criteria on your state unemployment website. In most states, you will need to have worked for a certain period of time, met minimum earnings requirements, and have lost your job through no fault of your own. If your claim is denied or contested by your employer, you can appeal the denial.

But even if youve been terminated for cause, dont assume youre out of luck. You may be able to collect, depending on the circumstances, and whether or not the termination was justified. Its worth it to learn about your rightsincluding your right to appeal a denial of your unemployment claimsbefore you give up on the idea of filing for benefits.

Check with your state unemployment department for information on qualifying for and collecting unemployment compensation in your location.

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What Do I Need To Do To Receive My Weekly Benefits

One of the most important Michigan unemployment requirements for maintaining your unemployment benefits is regularly showing that youre looking for new work. Michigan makes this easy through MARVINMichigans Automated Response Voice Interactive Network.

To collect benefits, youll be required to call MARVIN every other week to verify that youve been searching for new employment. You can check in with MARVIN by calling 1-866-638-3993. Hours are Monday through Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET. Failing to call MARVIN could temporarily stop your benefits.

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Can I Work Part

Yes. However, if you take a part-time job while on unemployment compensation benefits, the work and gross earnings must be reported on your weekly certification.

If you earn as much as your weekly benefit or more, no payment would be made for the week.

But if your earnings are less than the weekly benefit amount, the first $58 would be discounted and the remainder deducted from the weekly benefit amount, according to Floridas Agency for Workforce Innovation.

The difference would be your unemployment payment for that week.

What Are Issues And Why Are There Issues On My Claim

An issue can be associated with your claim if circumstances occur such as being terminated from your last employer or you were eligible for severance or vacation pay at the time of separation. Other issues may occur due to how you answered the questions on your voucher. These issues must be resolved before payments can be released.

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Who Is Eligible For Florida Unemployment Benefits

There are FOUR criteria that you must meet to be eligible for unemployment benefits in Florida:

Your Guide To Unemployment Benefits In Michigan

Michigan residents who have lost their job through no fault of their own can qualify for unemployment benefits. The State of Michigan provides this safety net in situations where workers have become unemployed due to a layoff, a labor dispute, or being placed on mandatory leave of absence.

Michigan unemployment benefits and unemployment compensation are meant to provide a temporary source of income until you are able to find another job. This service is provided by the states Unemployment Insurance Agency . All employers in the state pay unemployment taxes, which are then paid out weekly to workers who lose their jobs.

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Is The Waiting Week For Florida Unemployment Waived

Under normal circumstances, a person would have to wait one week after applying for unemployment benefits before becoming eligible to receive them. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order during the pandemic waiving this rule in an effort to speed up benefit distribution. That waiver ended on June 26, 2021.

Pay Income Tax On Your Unemployment Benefits

Do you have to pay taxes on your unemployment benefits? In a word, yes, at least when it comes to your federal income tax return. Unemployment compensation is subject to income taxes but is not subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes, says Kathy Pickering, H& R Blocks chief tax officer.

So unlike the $1,200 stimulus payment that many people received over the spring and summer, the federal government will tax your unemployment benefits. And its not just federal taxes, either: Thirty-four states fully tax unemployment benefits, and two states partially tax unemployment benefits, according to Pickering.

Youll need to include any unemployment payments you received in 2020 on your income tax return when you file it by April 2021. If youre concerned about owing tax on that money, you can elect to pay it as you go so you dont get hit with a bill next year.

Many people find it easier to have taxes withheld from unemployment rather than make estimated tax payments, explains Pickering. Having taxes withheld or making estimated tax payments are both ways you can minimize the risk of an unexpected balance due and potential penalties.

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I Am An Undocumented Individual Am I Eligible For Any Unemployment Benefits

In general, individuals who are not lawfully permitted to work in the United States are not able and available to work. In addition, wages earned by an individual who is not lawfully permitted to work cannot be used in establishing a weekly benefit amount. Therefore, that individual would not eligible for unemployment benefits.

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Michigan Unemployment Benefits And Eligibility

COVID-19 UPDATE: Because the coronavirus pandemic has left so many Americans jobless, the federal government has given states more flexibility in granting unemployment benefits. Youll need to apply for these benefits through your states unemployment insurance program, but if you have questions about whether youre eligible for benefits read our COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits and Insurance FAQ. Also, before submitting a claim, be sure to check out Michigans Handbook for Unemployed Workers.

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Do You Have To Pay The Funds Back Later

Dont worry about having to pay back what you draw during your spell of unemployment.

The basic UI system is funded through payroll taxes, which are levies that employers have to pay on their employees. They exist at both the state and federal level, and are forward-funded, similar to the Social Security system. The federal government pays the administrative costs, though during periods of economic distress, it provides more funding to states for expanded benefits.

Also at the federal level is a way for states to borrow money in case state unemployment trust funds are depleted. Those rose to prominence during the Great Recession, Evermore says.

I Am An Independent Contractor Am I Eligible For Unemployment Benefits Under The Cares Act

You may be eligible for unemployment benefits, depending on your personal circumstances and how your state chooses to implement the CARES Act. States are permitted to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to individuals who are self-employed, seeking part-time employment, or who otherwise would not qualify for regular unemployment compensation. To qualify for PUA benefits, you must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits and be unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The PUA program provides up to 39 weeks of benefits, which are available retroactively starting with weeks of unemployment beginning on or after January 27, 2020, and ending on or before December 31, 2020. The amount of benefits paid out will vary by state and are calculated based on the weekly benefit amounts provided under a states unemployment insurance laws. Under the CARES Act, the WBA may be supplemented by the additional unemployment assistance provided under the Act.

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What To Do After Receiving Funds

Most states require that unemployed individuals recertify on a regular basis. Washington state, for example, requires recipients submit a weekly claim after applying for unemployment to verify that their situation hasnt changed.

Though it varies from state to state, you might need to prove that youre willing to work and actively searching for work though the latter requirement is changing in light of the coronavirus. At least 27 states have waived work-search requirements, from Arizona and California, to Ohio and North Carolina, according to NELP research. Other states, such as Alabama, have relaxed job search requirements so long as an unemployed individual takes reasonable steps to preserve their ability to come back to that job.

Its a really bad time to be out bothering employers for jobs, Evermore says. We want people to stay home.

Getting Denied For Benefits

If Illinois finds you not eligible for unemployment benefits, you have 30 days to take action and appeal to the state. This involves filling out a form that asks you to describe in detail why Illinois should reconsider your application. Youâll need to fax or mail your packet since the IDES offices are currently closed.

The state will determine whether to deny the appeal or set up an appeal hearing where youâll submit your evidence and speak on the phone to defend your claim. Continue certifying regularly while you complete this process.

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What Can The Claimant Do If He Or She Believes A Job Offer Is Not For Suitable Employment

If a state raises an issue of failure to accept suitable employment, the state unemployment insurance agency must provide the claimant with an opportunity to provide his or her side of the story and to rebut any evidence provided to the state before making a final determination.

Most state laws allow for refusal of suitable employment for good cause, which is defined in state law. Criteria for good cause may include, but are not limited to, the degree of risk to an individuals health, safety, and morals the individuals physical fitness, prior training, experience, and earnings the length of unemployment and prospects for securing local work in a customary occupation and the distance of the available work from the individuals residence.

Claimants may file an appeal if they disagree with a states determination regarding suitable work. Please contact your state unemployment insurance agency for additional information.

Benefits Of Michigan Uia Unemployment Debit Card

There are several benefits to receiving your Michigan Unemployment benefits via the Bank of America issued debit card, versus via a check in the mail.

Here are the key benefits of the Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card and why it is a great alternative to paper checks:

Benefits of the card include:

• Get your money sooner.
• Use it everywhere MasterCard is accepted .
• Withdraw cash at ATMs, banks, and stores with cashback options.
• Transfer funds to the financial institution of your choice at no additional cost.
• Be notified when a deposit is made to your card, or when you have a low balance.
• Receive fraud protection from a Zero Liability Policy.

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Appeal A Denial Of Benefits

If you were denied unemployment benefits, you may file an appeal online. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity refers to those seeking benefits as Claimants. Claimants, employers, and authorized representatives may appeal a decision that was not made in their favor.

You must wait until after a determination is mailed or delivered to file an appeal. The determination will also contain instructions on how to file your appeal after a denial of benefits.