Gov. signs bipartisan bill to benefit part-time workers who received pandemic jobless benefits

Michigan Governor Whitmer on Monday announced the signing of Senate Bill 445 that amends the Michigan Employment Security Act to allow certain unemployed workers eligible for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) to receive benefits even though they were available only for part-time work. Previously, PUA claimants were required to be able and available for full-time work.

“As we continue to grow our economy, my top priority is working toward bipartisan solutions to save Michiganders time and money,” said Whitmer. “I’ve always said that Michiganders should not be penalized for doing what was right at the time they applied for federal pandemic benefits. The changes in this legislation will streamline our unemployment system and provide relief to Michiganders who needed these federal benefits to pay their bills, keep food on the table, and continue supporting small businesses.”

The change would affect PUA claims filed after March 1, 2020, for those who had issues due to only being available for part-time work. The PUA program ended in Sept. 2021.

“This is an important change for part-time workers under PUA,” said Julia Dale, director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. “The federal program allowed for certain workers to qualify for benefits that helped them stay caught up with their bills.”

Senate Bill 445, sponsored by Sen. Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, passed the Michigan Senate unanimously and the Michigan House by a 101-3 vote.

"Combined with Gov. Whitmer’s success in securing flexibility from the federal Dept of Labor, the signing of this legislation will provide relief to thousands of people fighting with UIA over paperwork," said Irwin.