Battle Creek Times

Employees at Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity are working around the clock as thousands of people in the state are still having issues with a system flooded with unemployment claims.  

Department Director Jeff Donofrio told the Battle Creek Enquirer since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2.2 million Michiganders have filed for unemployment benefits. Donofrio said the state has fulfilled claims to 1.7 million people totaling about $9 billion, but that still leaves approximately a half a million claims still unaccounted for.

"We know this crisis has caused anxiety, frustration, pain to many and that our system along with many systems across other states have struggled to keep up with this demand," Donofrio told The Battle Creek Enquirer.

Prior to the pandemic, the state gave out $362 each week in unemployment benefits, but the with help from the federal CARES Act, an additional $600 was added to the weekly total, but only if an applicant's claim is successfully processed. 

After eight weeks of trying, Katrina Wyman was finally reimbursed with back pay from the Michigan Unemployment Agency. 

Wyman told The Battle Creek Enquirer that she first had problems filing for benefits in March.  She said a person told her a "non-monetary issue" listed on her account was an error and she would be paid in a few days, but those days turned into weeks and months. 

Since the agency is in such a high demand due to the number of people who aren't working because of restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the UIA has instructed Michiganders to stagger their claims.  

If your last name begins with letters A-L, you can file online Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, or by phone on Monday or Wednesday.  People with last names beginning with letters M-Z can file online or by phone Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Saturdays are reserved for people who've missed their days.  Online claims can be submitted at any time of day or night.