Significant changes to the Michigan Employment Security Act took effect last month. The updates include:
- Expanded work-search requirement. Claimants must now report at least three work-search activities each week, up from one. Qualifying activities include applying for jobs in person or online, attending job fairs, creating or updating a résumé on a job-search site such as MiTalent.org, or participating in job-search workshops. Claimants who do not satisfy the requirement may be denied benefits or required to repay benefits for which they were not eligible.
- New protections for domestic violence survivors. Eligible workers who leave employment because they or a household member are affected by domestic violence are now allowed to qualify for unemployment benefits. The law allows supporting documentation from sources other than police and requires confidentiality for evidence related to domestic violence. Employers should handle these claims carefully and avoid unnecessary disclosure of sensitive information.
- More flexibility in Work Share programs. The amendments also expand flexibility under Michigan’s Work Share program. Work Share allows employers to reduce employees’ hours instead of implementing layoffs, while eligible employees receive partial unemployment benefits to help offset a portion of their lost wages. As of July 19, 2026, employers can reduce weekly hours between 10 percent and 60 percent to qualify under the program. (The previous range was 15 percent to 45 percent.)
- Streamlined unemployment appeals. Certain unemployment appeal issues may now be combined into a single hearing before an administrative law judge.
- Expanded access to hardship waivers. Claimants who are required to repay unemployment benefits may now seek a financial hardship waiver up to four times per year rather than once every six months.
Employers should review unemployment claim procedures and separation documentation in light of these changes. Please contact us today at 248.477.6300 if you need assistance.
