Michigan unemployment

Michigan’s Democratic-led House unexpectedly passed legislation increasing a person’s annual unemployment eligibility from 20 to 26 weeks, a plan widely panned by Republicans and business groups.

Michigan paid out billions in fraudulent unemployment claims during the pandemic. That 'era' is over, the agency’s new director said Thursday.

An automated computer system falsely accused tens of thousands of jobless Michiganders of fraud. The state compounded errors by assessing steep fines and penalties.

Statewide, 13.3 percent of residents are impoverished. In Lake, Mecosta and Wayne counties, the rate is 20 percent or more.

Inflation may be moderating, but there still aren’t enough hourly workers to fill open restaurant, retail and other lower-paid hourly jobs. In Michigan, businesses that depend on such workers are still raising pay to attract employees, a trend they say can’t keep doing.

The latest review of the state’s dysfunctional unemployment office found that problems with oversight and fraud investigation persist. The agency’s director accused the auditor of rehashing old issues and not giving the agency enough credit for reforms.

A computer system that falsely flagged unemployment recipients for fraud is finally getting replaced.

No doubt, the pandemic bruised the economy nationwide. But Michigan has fared worse than other states by most measures.

Michigan started 2022 with fewer jobs, lower adjusted household incomes and a lower job participation rate than before previous recessions, leaving a shakier foundation to withstand an economic downturn.

Rising interest rates are meant to stem inflation, but the results can be “painful” as the economy shrinks, state business leaders say. Michigan has recorded three straight months of job losses, a sensitive topic for the state.

The most recent audit of the state’s unemployment office’s performance shows it failed to implement safeguards needed to protect taxpayer information during the pandemic.

The temporary pause on collections against 398,000 could result in repayment waivers for workers who’d received benefits and later were told they were ineligible. But an extensive review awaits first.

Jobless workers have struggled for years with the state’s unemployment system, resulting in lawsuits and calls for change. Now — after a pandemic filled with still more problems — the state is seeking a new vendor.

Our real-time, graphic-driven snapshot of economic indicators will help you understand how Michigan workers, families and businesses are faring in a changing world.

The Unemployment Insurance Agency failed to conduct proper background checks as it rushed to hire workers to handle a record number of claims — and taxpayers paid the price, according to an audit.

The state’s unemployment agency says it’s on target for sending IRS tax forms to workers by the end of February. But some workers face the prospect of having to declare benefits as reportable income even though they may later have to return the money.

The governor seeks $88 million to replace a notorious computer system that falsely accused workers of fraud and caused other headaches.

Jobless workers received notices they have to repay benefits, sometimes $20,000 or more. But many applied in good faith, and now won’t face restitution due to federal waivers.

The pace of fraud has slowed, officials were told on Thursday. However, it remains unclear to what extent the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has fixed its problems or identified which cases amounted to crimes.

Michigan knew for months it was making costly mistakes, but continued them anyway — and most of the money won’t be recouped, the report found.