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Michigan Boosts Unemployment Benefits, New Job Search Rules Ahead

12/30/2025

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Michigan Boosts Benefits

Michigan will raise unemployment benefits on January 1, 2026, with the maximum weekly rate increasing from $446 to $530.
The change is part of bipartisan legislation to enhance financial support for unemployed workers.
Beginning July 2026, unemployed individuals must document three job-search activities weekly.
The April 2025 law extended the benefit collection period from 20 to 26 weeks.
The same law sets the maximum benefit to reach $614 in 2027.

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Michigan Wage Increase

Michigan's minimum wage will rise from $12.48 to $13.73 on January 1, 2026, with a path to $15 by 2027.
Tipped workers' wages will increase from $4.74 to $5.49, down from a planned $7.97.
The changes follow a 2018 citizen-led initiative's legal battle.
Business leaders warn the higher wages could reduce restaurant traffic.
Advocates say increases address rising living costs and ensure workers share profits.

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Michigan Boosts Benefits

Michigan will raise unemployment benefits on January 1, 2026, with the maximum weekly rate increasing from $446 to $530.
The change is part of bipartisan legislation to enhance financial support for unemployed workers.
Beginning July 2026, unemployed individuals must document three job-search activities weekly.
The April 2025 law extended the benefit collection period from 20 to 26 weeks.
The same law sets the maximum benefit to reach $614 in 2027.

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