What Is the Max Unemployment Benefit in Michigan?

Unemployment benefits in Michigan offer temporary financial support to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) administers these benefits, which are funded through employer taxes. This support helps eligible workers maintain income while seeking new employment during periods of joblessness.

Michigan’s Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit

The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in Michigan is subject to change based on state law. For claims filed before April 2, 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $362. For new claims filed on or after April 2, 2025, the maximum weekly benefit increases to $446.

Further incremental increases are scheduled: $530 in 2026 and $614 in 2027. Beyond 2027, the State Treasurer is authorized to adjust the maximum weekly amount annually based on Consumer Price Index changes. Claimants may also receive an allowance for dependents, which is currently $6 per dependent per week, increasing to $12.66 in 2025, $19.33 in 2026, and $26 in 2027, for up to five dependents.

How Your Weekly Benefit is Determined

An individual’s weekly unemployment benefit in Michigan is primarily based on past wages. The UIA calculates this by taking 4.1% of the claimant’s wages from the highest-earning calendar quarter within their base period. The base period typically includes the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the unemployment claim was filed.

While this formula determines an individual’s specific benefit, the total amount cannot exceed the state’s maximum weekly benefit, regardless of higher past earnings. Eligibility also requires meeting certain wage thresholds, such as earning wages in at least two quarters of the base period and total base period wages being at least 1.5 times the highest quarter wages.

Maximum Weeks of Eligibility

The duration for which an individual can receive unemployment benefits in Michigan has a standard maximum period. Currently, individuals may receive benefits for a period ranging from 14 to 20 weeks, depending on their base period wages. However, a new law effective for claims filed on or after April 2, 2025, extends the maximum weeks of eligibility.

Under this new legislation, the maximum duration for which benefits can be collected increases to 26 weeks. The minimum number of weeks an eligible worker can receive benefits will remain at 14 weeks. While the standard duration applies under normal economic conditions, federal or state programs may provide for extended benefit periods in circumstances of high unemployment.

Other Key Factors Affecting Your Benefits

Maintaining eligibility for unemployment benefits in Michigan involves several ongoing requirements. Claimants must actively seek suitable full-time work, which generally includes at least one work search activity per week, and keep detailed records of these efforts. Responding promptly to any requests for information from the UIA is also necessary to avoid benefit interruptions.

Unemployment benefits can be reduced by certain types of income received during the benefit period. Earnings from part-time work, severance pay, or pension distributions may lead to a reduction in weekly benefit amounts. Unemployment benefits are considered taxable income at both federal and state levels. The UIA issues Form 1099-G, “Certain Government Payments,” detailing total benefits paid and any taxes withheld for tax reporting purposes. Individuals must remain able and available for work and accept suitable job offers to continue receiving benefits.