BENEFITS

Debbie Stroup, a local expert on Medicare, offers these tips for seniors who might have questions during open enrollment.

Open enrollment for 2023 health insurance has begun.

As Parliament returns, what are some of the traps lying ahead which could derail the government?

To find out more information or to test your knowledge on Medicare before signing up during the open enrollment period, try your hand at the quiz below.

Oaks, maples and chestnuts found in cities are among over 1,000 tree species that are flagged at risk.

Kayaker and mental health advocate Nick Ray is heading on a year-long journey into the wilderness.

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Director Julia Dale took over the position in October 2021.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has been riddled with big problems since the start of the pandemic.

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Director Julia Dale took over the position in October 2021.

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Director Julia Dale took over the position in October 2021.

Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Director Julia Dale took over the position in October 2021.

Republicans were right to worry that lavish Covid unemployment insurance could slow the recovery. But now they’re rewarding people who lose jobs for defying employer vaccine mandates.

Experts say reaching such a deal with the e-commerce giant could be an uphill climb, as Amazon has been highly resistant in the past.

A spokesperson for the Cherry Hill Mall confirms that while the mall has maintained normal operating hours, many retailers are limiting store hours because of staffing challenges.

Queen Elizabeth II has urged world leaders attending the U_N_ climate summit to “rise above the politics of the moment.”

It is the "time for action", the monarch tells delegates at the COP26 summit in a video message.

Two-hundred and ninety thousand people sought benefits last week, which was down 6,000 from the previous week.

290,000 people sought benefits last week, which was down 6,000 from the previous week.

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.

Starting next year (2022), you’ll get more money, a lot more, but it will be to cover rising costs. Here’s a closer look at what to expect.

Michigan’s Bridge Card system is switching to a new digital provider, and access to benefits will be temporarily unavailable over the weekend amid the switch.

Some filling stations are running dry of fuel, the Petrol Retailers Association warns.

U-M and LEO have come to a tentative agreement.

The Michigan Bridge Card system will be down from approximately 11:30 p.m. Saturday to 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

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.

One-time payment to benefit eligible low-income households.

About 350,000 Michigan residents who received federal unemployment aid will not have to repay benefits even though the state told them that some reasons for eligibility it approved at the start of the pandemic were not OK.

More than 600,000 Michigan residents may not have had the unemployment eligibility they thought they did during the pandemic.

With COVID-19 restrictions expiring Tuesday in Michigan, businesses are feeling the crunch to hire more workers.

The federal benefits are set to expire for Floridians the week of June 27.

Billions of dollars on a deadline can change a freezeout in a hurry.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants Michiganders who are returning to work after being laid off as well as new hires to be eligible for a $300 weekly bonus.

GOP governor cites vaccine availability, says Marylanders need to get back to work.

The benefits of diverse leadership can be subtle and hard to pin down. But they are real.

A former worker is filing a federal lawsuit against the company, Total Response EMS, claiming the employer deducted money from its employees checks for health insurance.

We’ve all been through a lot this past year, and many people are considering taking a new path in life, such as changing careers.

Work is now underway to make sure those who are uninsured in Michigan to get the benefits available to them.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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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.

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.

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, 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.

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 scam steals personal information to file false unemployment claimsPublished: May 29, 2020, 6:19 pmA new scam is impacting thousands who have filed for unemployment and even many who haven’t.

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 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.

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.

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

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.

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, 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/

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Please join WDIV-Local 4 for an important, LIVE event Thursday evening full of life-saving information -- “The Governor’s Town Hall.”If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566.

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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.