Supply chain woes lead to an "everything shortage"
The rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has helped to improve the U.S. economy, but the pandemic is still wreaking havoc on the global supply chain. Derek Thompson, the author of a recent piece in The Atlantic that explores the root problems of America's supply chain breakdown, joined CBSN to discuss the nation's crowded ports and emptying shelves.
news.yahoo.comUnemployment ends for more than 400,000 Michiganders Sept. 4
Unemployment is about to end for hundreds of thousands of Michigan workers after next week, as federal benefits expire Sept. 4. Those claimants will see their unemployment assistance end as the federal government ends the programs. State unemployment won’t end – but people cannot receive federal unemployment if they’re eligible for the state program. Nearly 100,000 Michiganders are getting state unemployment each week, comparable to pre-pandemic numbers. The feds created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation programs shortly after COVID-19 hit in spring 2020.
mlive.comExpansions to temporary Michigan unemployment provisions set to expire March 31
A new or additional claim for unemployment benefits filed within 28 days of the last day the claimant worked will no longer be considered to have been filed on time. LANSING, Mich – According to state law, some temporary expansions in unemployment eligibility and cost-sharing applicable to state unemployment claims are set to expire on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Unemployment expansions expiring include:28-day late filingA new or additional claim for unemployment benefits filed within 28 days of the last day the claimant worked will no longer be considered to have been filed on time. Individuals who are disqualified for state unemployment benefits based on these reasons may qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). Relaxed eligibility requirements for the Work Share programEmployers must meet and maintain the traditional requirements for Work Share plans.
Unemployment filings dip for third week in a row
Some 793,000 people applied for jobless benefits in the week ending February 6, the Labor Department said Thursday. Before the coronavirus slammed the economy last March, unemployment filings hovered around 250,000 a week and never exceeded 700,000 a week, a record set in the 1982 recession. A sign of those strains: The number of people receiving unemployment benefits rose in mid-January. "At present, we are a long way from such a labor market," he said. The unemployment rate for Blacks and Hispanics in January was 9.2% and 8.6%, respectively, compared with 5.7% for Whites, according to the Labor Department.
cbsnews.comMany workers will get 4 extra weeks of unemployment benefits. Here's how
The recent Covid relief package offers 11 extra weeks of jobless benefits to workers. Many, but not all, will be eligible for four more, for a total of 15 weeks. The $900 billion measure extended two temporary federal unemployment programs that support millions of Americans into 2021. More from Personal Finance:A top Democrat backs another $600 unemployment boostBiden will extend payment pause for student loan borrowersHow $2,000 stimulus checks could be targetedOne, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, issues benefits to the self-employed and others who don't typically qualify for state aid. The other, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, is available to those who exhausted standard state benefits, which generally last up to six months.
cnbc.comCrime Stoppers of Michigan to host virtual week-long auction
METRO DETROIT – Crime Stoppers is holding its first annual Time To Fight Crime Auction from Sunday to Saturday, Nov. 21. The nonprofit is asking residents to donate or bid on items to help support Crime Stoppers' efforts to create safer neighborhoods across Metro Detroit. It empowers people to take an active role in reducing crime by implementing grassroots programming, publicizing crimes and providing an anonymous tip-line. For more information, check out Crime Stopper’s official website here. To see the auction, click here.
Extra food stamp benefits extended again
The additional benefits involves 350,000 families who have been receiving the increased monthly benefits in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Michigan families eligible for food stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, will continue receiving additional benefits through November, state officials said last week. The additional benefits will impact about 350,000 families who have been receiving the increased monthly benefits since March in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The additional benefits will be loaded onto Bridge Cards as a separate payment from assistance provided earlier in the month. Those who are already eligible for the program will see an increase in monthly benefits if they are not already receiving the maximum SNAP benefits.
monroenews.comHow much your Social Security check will be if you make $45,000 per year
Over 64 million Americans currently receive Social Security benefits. The amount each person gets will vary and is calculated using an equation that takes into account your past and present. Benefits are based on your income, the year you were born and your age when you decide to start taking money out. Remember: Social Security was not designed to be your sole source of income for retirement, and the totals are always changing. So how much should you expect in Social Security benefits if you make $45,000 a year?
cnbc.comMichigan Gov. Whitmer signs bills extending unemployment benefits until end of year
Gretchen Whitmer has signed bills that extend unemployment benefits for residents who have lost work due to COVID-19 until the end of the year. Senate Bills 886 and 991 codify part of Whitmer’s orders that expanded unemployment benefits to Michiganders. “When we get back to session I look forward to taking up our bills to expand unemployment benefits and create stronger pathways to get Michigan families the resources they need during a pandemic,” said Rep. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown). Since March 15, the state has paid more than $25 billion in benefits to 2.2 million workers. Michigan was one of the first states to begin issuing the additional $600 pandemic benefit from the U.S. government.
Michigan: People who exhaust unemployment get 20 weeks more
LANSING, Mich. – People who exhaust 39 weeks of unemployment benefits in Michigan are eligible for up to 20 weeks of additional payments, the state announced. The federal extended benefits program kicked in because Michigan has had an unemployment rate of 8% or higher for three straight months during the coronavirus pandemic, the Unemployment Insurance Agency said Thursday. People out of work get up to 26 weeks of regular benefits and an additional 13 weeks because of the virus outbreak. The weekly payment for those who surpass 39 weeks will the same as what they received for regular unemployment insurance and not include the since-expired supplemental federal benefit of $600 and later $300.
Michigan unemployment officials reveal staggering number of residents still waiting for benefits
DETROIT Michigan unemployment official have revealed a staggering number of residents are still waiting for their benefits. Numbers from the Unemployment Insurance Agency reveal just how hard Michigan residents were hit by the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown. Tens of thousands of people still need help getting their checks, which has many asking why UIA offices are still closed. UIA offices have been shut down for months, and even as other government offices, such as Secretary of State branches, reopen across Michigan, unemployment locations remain closed. Since March 15, UIA has paid out a total of $15 billion, and more than 2.4 million Michigan residents have filed for benefits.
Michigan to retrieve $8M in duplicate unemployment payments
LANSING, Mich. – The state of Michigan overpaid $8.2 million in duplicate unemployment payments to about 3,000 residents and is going to attempt to collect the money. The Unemployment Insurance Agency issued duplicate payments to “a small percentage of claimants" as it worked to expedite payments to the millions of workers that were laid off during the coronavirus pandemic. The UIA will reach out directly to those who received duplicate payments about repayment.They can voluntarily repay the full amount, can pay it down periodically or schedule future payments until paid in full. During the coronavirus pandemic, Michigan has experienced staggering level of unemployment. More than 2 million residents have applied for state and federal benefits since March 15.
Thousands of Michiganders struggling to get answers about unemployment targeted by new scam
DETROIT – A new scam is targeting thousands of Michigan residents who are still struggling to get answers about their unemployment benefits. Scammers are on social media offering people help with their unemployment problems in exchange for cash. Scams have made the process even more difficult, and now, there’s a warning from Attorney General Dana Nessel about scammers on social media. Those scammers are offering help to Michiganders, but unfortunately, they only want to steal their money. “Do not, under any circumstances, pay a fee or offer up your personal information to someone on social media.”
Michigan lawmakers meet with residents frustrated with unemployment benefit struggles
LANSING, Mich. Michiganders struggling to get their unemployment benefits told lawmakers how frustrating the system is Thursday. An estimated 1.5 million people applied for unemployment benefits across the United States last week. Applications peaked at about 7 million applications in March. In Michigan, many residents are still having problems getting their unemployment benefits, leading to Thursdays hearing. Lawmakers heard complaints from employers and employees, all frustrated with the unemployment system.
Will extra COVID-19 unemployment benefits be extended or replaced by ‘back-to-work’ bonus?
DETROIT – With the extra $600 in unemployment benefits during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis set to expire next month, will the weekly payment be extended or replaced by a new “back-to-work” bonus? President Donald Trump’s administration wants to replace the $600 unemployment payment with a new “back-to-work” bonus. What does this mean for Michigan residents collecting unemployment right now? Millions of Americans, and around 1.3 million Michiganders, are collecting unemployment right now. “The idea is to give a bonus to incentivize people to come off of unemployment and go back to work,” financial expert Kirk Cassidy said.
Investigation finds federal contractors owe $101,711 to employees working on Michigan HUD Project
The contractors practice of paying less than the required prevailing rates violated the Davis Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) and Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. The prevailing wage rate for laborers is less than the required rate for carpenters, so paying the lower rate violated the law. Investigators also found a drywall subcontractor on the project, The Drywall King LLC of Waterford violated the DBRA by failing to pay the required prevailing wage rates and benefits to drywall workers. When those flat rates failed to cover the hours employees worked at the required rates, violations occurred. Contractors working on federally funded jobs receive detailed agreements that include prevailing wage and fringe benefits rates they are required to pay their workers.
Wayne County program helps people who lost their job get health benefits
WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. Many Michigan residents have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and that means they also lost benefits. June 4, 2020 -- Michigan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases up to 58,241; Death toll now at 5,595Wayne County has launched a program that aims to help people get health benefits. Wayne County has partnered with an intermediary to make certain that Wayne County residents dont hit a financial wall when it comes to medications. The partnership is called the COVID-19 RX Support Program. Even if you have retained your insurance you can still enroll in the support program and that includes medication case management.
New scam steals personal information to file false unemployment claims
DETROIT – A new scam is impacting thousands who have filed for unemployment and even many who haven’t. The problem is so big that some residents who have filed legitimately are now having their accounts put on hold as the Unemployment Insurance Agency investigates. RELATED: New problem keeps more Michigan residents from getting unemployment checksFormer Lt. Governor Brian Calley and president of the Small Business Association of Michigan announce on Twitter that he was targeted by the scam. Several WDIV team members are now concerned their personal information is in the wrong hands.
New problem keeps more Michigan residents from getting unemployment checks
DETROIT – A new problem is keeping more Michigan residents from getting their unemployment checks, and this time, it has nothing to do with a computer glitch. Now, fraud concerns are keeping Michiganders from getting their badly needed benefits. Whitmer says everyone who qualifies for unemployment benefits will get themSandy Hurt, a woman who lives in Houston, started receiving benefits from Michigan that she said she never requested. A UIA spokesperson said the fraud threat is causing issues for some people who are still trying to file and collect unemployment claims. It’s an unfortunate snag affecting a Michigan unemployment system that’s already been riddled with problems.
New problem keeps more Michigan residents from getting unemployment checks
New problem keeps more Michigan residents from getting unemployment checksPublished: May 27, 2020, 5:10 pmA new problem is keeping more Michigan residents from getting their unemployment checks, and this time, it has nothing to do with a computer glitch.
Updating the progress of getting unemployment benefits to eligible Michiganders
LANSING, Mich. – The director of Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency provided an update Wednesday on how close the state is to getting unemployment benefits to the many eligible Michiganders trying to navigate the system. Navigating Michigan’s unemployment system has been difficult for many, as 1.6 million eligible applicants have filed for benefits. Local 4 Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester has been digging into the problems with the system as Steve Gray, the head of the Unemployment Insurance Agency, testified. “It’s now become clearer than ever that it can be hard to get unemployment benefits.”While many looking for unemployment benefits have had trouble logging on or calling, this is viewed as an opportunity to look at the situation step by step. “On average, before this crisis, just 26% of unemployed workers in Michigan received unemployment benefits.”More than a million people are still trying to get benefits, and many have had problems.
Michigan sees 81K new unemployment claims, 1.2M over 6 weeks
LANSING, Mich. – An additional 81,000 people filed initial claims for unemployment in Michigan last week, bringing the six-week total to more than 1.2 million amid the coronavirus pandemic. The number of new filings dropped for the second straight week, according to a federal report released Thursday. Michigan has had some of the highest number of jobless claims in the country. They will receive an additional $600 a week through late July under the terms of a federal relief package. Related: Answering 4 key questions about Michigan’s unemployment benefits process
Answering 4 key questions about Michigan’s unemployment benefits process
DETROIT – One million Michigan residents are already receiving unemployment benefits, but there are thousands who are still struggling to get their own. Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester is answering some key questions about the process. If UIA needs to do further investigation, the process could be delayed. READ: 6 new symptoms officially added to list of coronavirus symptomsCan I work part-time while collecting unemployment? If UIA needs more information from you, you will be contacted.
How to apply for food, cash assistance, other benefit programs in Michigan
DETROIT – Michigan offers several programs to help residents in times of hardship. With more than one million out of work in the state due to coronavirus, these resources are as important as ever. MIBridges, the state’s benefit program site, can help you navigate through available programs and through the application process. Available programs include:Food Assistance Program (FAP) (Provides benefits to buy or grow food) Related: Michigan expands food assistance benefits, suspends SNAP work requirements amid coronavirusHealthcare Coverage (Helps pay for medical costs)Child Development & Care (CDC) (Helps pay for childcare costs)Cash Assistance (Provides cash to help meet basic needs)State Emergency Relief (Provides help or assistance for emergency housing, utility, and burial situations)Go to MIBridge to learn more and apply for programs. Related: Q&A: Michigan unemployment agency answers questions about issues applying for benefits
Update on Michigan unemployment system, federal CARES Act -- April 14, 2020
Update on Michigan unemployment system, federal CARES Act -- April 14, 2020Published: April 14, 2020, 12:45 pmMichigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Jeff Donofrio provided an update Tuesday morning on the state’s implementation of the unemployment benefits outlined in the federal CARES Act for self-employed, gig, 1099-contract and low-wage workers. For information and help, go here: https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/2020/04/09/michigan-unemployment-help-and-resources-updated-list/
Michigan Works! tapped to assist Michigan Unemployment Agency
DETROT – As unemployment insurance claims continue to flood the state’s system at a record rate, Michigan Works! is working with the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to assist Michigan residents with questions about filing for unemployment. Luann Dunsford, Michigan Works! “In its 33 years of existence, the Michigan Works! “In good times, and in bad, Michigan Works!
Record 16.6 million filed for unemployment since virus outbreak began
The virus has put a lot of people out of work -- new numbers released Thursday morning show a record-breaking 16.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the virus began. More than 6 million have filed in April alone -- 384,000 in Michigan. Over the last three weeks, there has been a 5,000% increase in unemployment filings compared to the three weeks prior. However, the 6.6 million that filed nationwide last week is down from the 6.9 million that reported the week before. The state said it had to bring in more people in order to take care of the rise in unemployment claims.
Record 16.6 million have sought US jobless aid since virus
WASHINGTON (AP) – With a startling 6.6 million people seeking jobless benefits last week, the United States has reached a grim landmark: Roughly one in 10 workers have lost their jobs in just the past three weeks. All told, in the past three weeks, 16.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment aid. The number will likely keep increasing, in part because many states are still clearing out backlogs of applications for unemployment aid. Up to 50 million jobs are vulnerable to coronavirus-related layoffs, economists say — about one-third of all the jobs in the United States. It’s unlikely all those workers will be laid off or file a jobless claim.
Michigan expands unemployment call center hours, adds staff to handle demand
DETROT – Michigan is expanding hours and staff to better handle demand for unemployment during the coronavirus outbreak. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is adding staff and hours to better serve an unprecedented increase in customers filing unemployment claims as a result of COVID-19. Customers in the call center and online chat queues before closing time will have their calls or chats resolved that day. All Eligible Workers Will Receive Benefits: The UIA assures every eligible worker in Michigan who applies for unemployment benefits will receive them. Last names beginning with letters M-Z: file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
Healthcare coverage options available for Michigan residents during coronavirus outbreak
DETROIT – If you’ve lost healthcare coverage due to the coronavirus pandemic in Michigan, there are options to find new coverage. Michiganders impacted may have low or no-cost healthcare options available through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). “Michiganders who lose employer-based health insurance may have options to continue or replace their coverage,” said DIFS Director Anita G. Fox. Depending on income and their situation, consumers may qualify for cost sharing reductions, premium tax credits, coverage for their children (CHIP), or Medicaid. Consumers should contact DIFS toll free at 877-999-6442 if they need assistance.Act now and applyEnrollment help is available
Michigan taking unemployment site offline for upgrades to handle greater capacity
DETROT – Michigan is taking its benefit application system down on Friday night to make upgrades to the system, which has been overwhelmed by demand in the last two weeks. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget will temporarily take the MILogin application offline overnight tonight in order to make upgrades to the system to allow for greater capacity to handle the unprecedented volume required during the COVID-19 emergency. MILogin is the single-sign-on portal to access critical state services that have seen a sharp increase in transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many state applications such as Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) for unemployment benefits and MI Bridges to apply for food assistance utilize MILogin. Related: Michigan implements unemployment filing schedule based on last name
WATCH: Michigan Gov. Whitmer holds virtual town hall on coronavirus pandemic
Gretchen Whitmer and other leaders answered questions on every aspect of the coronavirus pandemic, from hospital preparedness to unemployment benefits to school closures. Watch ‘The Governor’s Town Hall’ above. For the first time, commercial and public television stations in the Detroit market partnered to produce and broadcast a “Governor’s Town Hall” to provide viewers the opportunity to ask questions of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer during this time of crisis. The Town Hall was broadcast live, on Thursday, April 2, 2020 from 7 to 8 p.m. on channels 4 (WDIV-TV), 2 (WJBK-TV), 7 (WXYZ-TV), 20 (WMYD-TV), 50 (WKBD-TV), 56 (WTVS-TV) and 62 (WWJ-TV). This special was offered to all broadcast stations in Michigan, in partnership with the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and Michigan Association of Public Broadcasters.
Benefits of the Mediterranean diet
Benefits of the Mediterranean diet Researchers found that the Mediterranean diet decreased the likelihood of developing heart disease. And the World Health Organization wants us to eat less sugar. Danielle Nottingham has some of the day’s top medical stories.
cbsnews.comNew evidence supports benefits of talk therapy
New evidence supports benefits of talk therapy A study in Lancet Psychiatry found that talk therapy works for preventing suicide. And a study compares the health risks of carbohydrates versus saturated fats. Eboni Williams has a look at the medical headlines.
cbsnews.comHidden benefits of using your vacation days
Hidden benefits of using your vacation days A new study shows Americans leave 429 million vacation days unused every year. The U.S. is one of the only advanced countries that doesn't require companies to give employees paid time off. Tony Schwartz, founder and CEO of The Energy Project, weighs in.
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