Grant Awarded to Close Gaps in Access to Jobless Benefit

Liz Gullett

Sep 09, 2022

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the state $6.8 million in grant funding to make it easier for workers in underserved communities to access jobless benefits. This includes workers who have historically had difficulties applying for benefits, rural and urban areas where residents have limited internet access, and those with language barriers.

The grant will support the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency initiatives to improve customer service, fund comprehensive data collection to inform future strategies, orientations for those who are new to filing for benefits, broadening language translation services, and expanding community outreach. The funds allow the agency to launch four initiatives:

- Develop analytics to track customer data and identify equity gaps so the agency can transition to a more proactive approach to addressing equity issues.
- Conduct new claimant orientation seminars, geared toward covering issues such as unemployment basics, filing claims, eligibility, protests and appeals, and how to remain eligible for benefits or avoid non-monetary issues.
- Translate correspondence to jobless workers and online resources to address the needs of those who do not speak English as their primary language or have visual disabilities.
- Create new partnerships with community, faith-based, or cultural organizations that help the unemployed throughout Michigan. UIA will also provide liaisons to assist with unemployment-related issues.

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