Federal COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits Expire on Sept. 4

With federal unemployment benefits distributed through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expiring on Sept. 4, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (MDLEO) is reminding recipients of these benefits that the state has several programs and services to assist in job searches and other assistance.
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Close up of a mobile phone with Coronavirus covid-19 news update. There is a unemployment benefits application in the background on the desk. The phone is being held and has an image of hand washing hygiene.
Federal COVID-19 unemployment benefits are ending Sept. 4, and the State of Michigan is reminding residents of the various job search training programs and services it offers. // Stock Photo

With federal unemployment benefits distributed through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) expiring on Sept. 4, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (MDLEO) is reminding recipients of these benefits that the state has several programs and services to assist in job searches and other assistance.

Benefits approved through the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC), and Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) are all set to expire Sept. 4.

The expiration date also applies for people who show a benefit balance on their claims. People who are waiting for an eligibility determination for any of the federal programs and receive it after Sept. 4, will be paid all funds for which they are eligible. These individuals should continue to certify through Sept. 4.

Benefit recipients should continue to monitor their MiWAM account and check for emails from the Unemployment Insurance Agengy (UIA) in case there is further correspondence about their case. Key information will be shared about deadlines to protest or make an appeal.

“These federal programs provided much needed financial relief to those who experienced job losses as a result of the pandemic,” says Liza Estlund Olson, acting director of the Michigan UIA. “We want to make sure Michiganders who have been receiving these temporary benefits are aware of other resources available to help them get back on their feet and find new employment opportunities.”

ARPA expanded on the CARES Act unemployment insurance programs that were implemented in April 2020 at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 15, 2020, more than 2.4 million Michiganders have received more than $38 billion in unemployment benefits.

The MDLEO is urging those who have been receiving these benefits to begin searching for a job.

“There are numerous free resources and programs available to support individuals in taking their next steps,” says Stephanie Beckhorn, director of the MDLEO’s office of employment and training. “Whether they want to conduct a job search, explore new career pathways, or discover educational or training programs, there are many opportunities they can pursue.”

The offerings include:

  • Pure Michigan Talent Connect at orgis a free job search resource that lists more than 90,000 jobs currently available in Michigan.
  • The Michigan Return to Work Playbook is an online portal that features job readiness and industry/job specific resources as well as resources to support specific individuals, such as veterans or individuals with disabilities.
  • Career exploration, resume assistance, interview skills, classroom and on-the-job-training, virtual and in-person job fairs, and more are provided through a local Michigan Works service center. Call 800-285-WORKS or visit michiganworks.org.

Apply for health care coverage, food and cash assistance, and more using the Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services’ MI Bridges system, which also lists helpful state and local resources.