Can You Still Work Part Time in Michigan and Get Unemployment Benefits?
Michigan's unemployment benefits provide monetary assistance for state residents who have lost full-time work. Though the primary intent of the state's unemployment program is to help those individuals who are out of work, there are some circumstances where a part-time worker can collect unemployment. However, the state reduces the part-time worker's benefit amount in accordance with his weekly earnings.
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Part-time Requirements
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Michigan residents who meet other unemployment benefit requirements can continue to collect unemployment even if they work part time. However, they cannot be working full time, meaning their workload cannot exceed 40 hours a week. Michigan residents who work fewer than 40 hours and have been laid off from a full-time position can collect unemployment, but their part-time workload will affect their benefit amount.
Part-time Unemployment Benefits
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Michigan takes into account an individual's part-time weekly earnings when issuing weekly unemployment benefits. If the part-time wages are less than the weekly benefit amount, the state reduces benefits by 50 cents for every $1 earned. The state deducts total wages from 1-1/2 time the individual's total benefit amount if her wages exceed her benefit amount by less than 1-1/2 percent. Individuals cannot earn more than 1-1/2 times their weekly benefit amount in part-time wages and continue to collect unemployment.
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Other Eligibility Requirements
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Individuals employed part time must meet other basic eligibility requirements to collect unemployment in Michigan. In the four quarters preceding the application for unemployment, the individual must earn wages in at least two of those quarters. In one quarter, wages must be at least $2,871 as of 2011. In addition, total wages across those four quarters must be at least $4,306.50. Michigan residents receiving unemployment benefits also must be eligible to work and actively seeking employment.
Considerations
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Michigan unemployment benefits do not last forever. State residents can use their unemployment benefits to help cover their finances while they seek permanent work. Michigan residents can collect unemployment for a period of 14 to 26 weeks, depending on their base period wages and weekly benefit amount. Individuals working part time should consider whether they need the unemployment benefits as well since this period of part-time employment will count against the number of benefit weeks remaining should they choose to collect unemployment. If the part-time work is seasonal or temporary, it might be best to hold off on collecting unemployment until the part-time work is complete.
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