You can continue to apply for EUC and wait to see if Congress extends the program.

The phasing out of the Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation program has caused many readers to ask what they should do to apply for extended benefits once their initial 26 weeks finished.

Take for instance the query of Lisa:

I have exhausted my 26 weeks of unemployment as of 10/23/10.  Am still filing bi-weekly with MARVIN but have no received any further information regarding the extension.  Unable to contact Unemployment by phone.  What is needed to be done to start receiving support?

You cannot claim for Emergency Unemployment Compensation over the phone. You must apply in person at your local employment office. Unfortunately, the deadline to apply for EUC’s first tier of 14 weeks of benefits ended the 27th of November. If you applied for tier 1 of EUC you will be able to collect payments until the 14 weeks end. However, you will not be able to automatically roll on to tier 2 unless Congress decides to extend the program.

If on the other hand you finished your tier 1 weeks and wanted to apply for tier 2, 3 or 4, your deadline ended the 4th of December.

If you are already receiving payments from the EUC program, you will continue to receive them until you exhaust your current tier.

Whatever your situation you should contact your local employment office and ask for help. For instance, you should continue to file your biweekly benefits with MARVIN in case Congress extends the program. This way you could receive a lump sum for the weeks you claimed for but did not receive compensation.

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is still accepting applications, although as mentioned above, payments will not be made unless Congress approves a further extension.

If you have any more questions phone 1-866-500-0017 and select Option 3. Operating times for that number run from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. Some of our readers complain they can’t get through to anybody at this number. Continue trying, during busy times it might take a while to get connected.

You can also visit your local unemployment office. Here are the addresses of the main offices in Michigan.

Detroit 3024 W. Grand Blvd.

Lansing 5015 S. Cedar St.

Gaylord 400 W. Main St., Suite 102

Marquette 2833 U.S. 41 West

Grand Rapids 3391-A Plainfield NE

Saginaw 614 Johnson St.

The Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG) of Michigan strives to promote economic and workforce development, stimulate job creation and enhance the quality of life in Michigan. DELEG envisions Michigan as an economic powerhouse where the lives of its residents will be enriched by the use of creativity and the commitment of staff and partnerships. Developing the tools needed to inspire innovation, attract the most qualified members of Michigan, promote entrepreneurship, create businesses and keep existing ones are just some of their goals. Protecting significant industries while strengthening urban and rural communities is key, while fostering diversity based on inclusion, rewarding educational excellence, and ultimately strengthening the workforce are integral to their goals and mission.

In order to live up to its mission and achieve economic development, DELEG must offer a variety of services to the community and its leaders. With the following services and agencies, DELEG is actively working to foster economic growth and job creation in Michigan while maintaining quality of life. Such services are not limited to the ones mentioned below, but are some of the most vital ones of the state of Michigan.

The Bureau of Commercial Services makes sure that commercial businesses are operating legally and to the best of their potential according to legal standards. To ensure diversity, the Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs promotes the interests of Hispanics. The Council for Labor and Economic Growth ensures development and improvement of Michigan’s Workforce Investment System.

The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation oversees the insurance industry along with banks, credit unions, and other service-oriented companies. For safety and security, Michigan’s Bureau of Fire Services makes sure that facilities and institutions are safe. Health and Safety are further ensured by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The Office of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives offers reliable information on employment related issues and the economy of Michigan. Unemployment agencies, Workers’ Compensation agencies and the Bureau of Workforce Transformation are available to provide the best employment security of citizens and help train professionals. The Wage and Hour Division creates laws that protect the wages and fringe benefits of workers in Michigan, and is responsible for providing for the safe and legal employment of minors.

The Michigan Public Service Commission is responsible for energy-efficient, reliable and safe transportation services are available for the public. Residents with disabilities can seek employment through the Michigan Rehabilitation Services. The Michigan Commission on Disability Concerns is a supporter of the many people with disabilities in Michigan and ensures that their needs are met. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve affordable housing for low and moderate income families.

State legislation is made affective through the Policy and Legislative Affairs Offices. Last but not least, the Michigan Tax Tribunal is responsible for jurisdiction over property tax issues.

With the services listed above and the many others available for Michigan residents, the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth of Michigan can aim to achieve employment security, economic growth and quality of life.