On Thursday, Mayor Mike Duggan was touting something that hasn’t been seen in Detroit in 22 years.

Michigan’s unemployment agency announced another round of waivers and refunds for filers who were overpaid and asked to pay back the overpayment.

A Detroit woman took a job as a Michigan unemployment insurance examiner and helped a group of others file more than 35 fraudulent claims and steal thousands in COVID unemployment benefits, official said.

Two Detroit men and a Warren woman helped a former Michigan resident who is currently in prison operate a $2.2 million scheme that involved submitting 240 fraudulent COVID unemployment insurance claims, officials said.

More than 55,000 Michiganders will not have to pay back a total of $431 million in pandemic unemployment benefits that was improperly awarded to them, the state announced.

A Troy woman, who worked with Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency, and a Detroit man have been charged for running a scheme to steal unemployment benefits, authorities said.

Michigan’s unemployment agency is making a significant investment in the system that has been a major source of frustration for many Michiganders.

State auditors say Michigan’s unemployment agency did not require worker background checks or quickly deactivate former contract and state employees’ computer access to the confidential benefits system amid unprecedented jobless claims early in the COVID-19 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.

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

Michigan’s new director of the unemployment office was questioned by lawmakers on Thursday.

Are you not receiving payments? Are you being billed for overpayments that you don’t think are correct? Something else?

The Unemployment Insurance Agency said they have flagged 10,000 recent claims for fraud. Why is there such a dramatic increase this time of year?

A scathing audit has found that in processing 5.4 million unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic, shortcomings in the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency Office caused $3.9 billion in overpayments.

"Do I need to pull out my guns and go down there and shoot every [expletive] member of that unemployment agency?"

The battle over unemployment benefits continues for thousands of Michigan residents who said they’re still owed money from the system.

Michigan’s acting Unemployment Insurance Agency director appeared before the House Oversight Committee Thursday to answer questions about the problems the agency has dealt with over the past 18 months.

An estimated 5.3 million claims were filed in Michigan.

The expiration of the $300 weekly unemployment benefit boost impacts nearly 9 million people across the country.

Many Michigan residents have voiced their frustration with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.

Federal officials have charged 14 people from Wayne and Macomb counties in connection with a fraud scheme to steal COVID unemployment benefits.

Michigan’s unemployment director was in Lansing on Tuesday as lawmakers demanded answers for everything that’s gone wrong with the system.

State lawmakers are demanding answers from Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency over an error that could end up costing people who collected benefits.

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

A Detroit man conspired with a Michigan unemployment worker to steal thousands of dollars intended to help people who lost jobs due to the COVID pandemic.

Michigan is reopening 12 unemployment offices for in-person appointments.

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.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed a $300 weekly back-to-work bonus as an incentive to get eligible workers back into the workforce.

Michigan residents who need to report work search activity by phone will have to follow a new certification schedule

Michigan residents who need to report work search activity by phone will have to follow a new certification schedule

Michigan residents who need to report work search activity by phone will have to follow a new certification schedule announced by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency starting June 7.

New jobs and unemployment numbers show promise and a positive trend across the nation and in Michigan.

Starting May 30, Michigan residents on unemployment will need to start looking for work to keep getting benefits.

A Novi man used the identities of several prison inmates to file fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims and stole more than $300,000 in the process, federal officials said.

Despite fewer restrictions than previously, some businesses are finding it difficult to get back up and running. Although there are “Help Wanted” signs seen outside of businesses, not enough people are filling the positions.

Extended unemployment benefits for Michigan residents will no longer be available after this week because the state’s unemployment rate dropped below the required threshold.

Thousands of Michigan residents are still struggling with the Michigan Unemployment Agency while trying to get their benefits. A Metro Detroit father is one of the people who thought his issue was fixed, but then the money once again stopped coming due to another glitch. READ: Michigan officials say unemployment rate declined in February -- here are the numbersBrandon Gregware has been struggling with the unemployment agency. If you find yourself in a similar situation you should call the Unemployment Insurance Agency and set up an appointment. Thursday’s report from the Labor Department showed that jobless claims climbed from 725,000 the week before.

Michigan officials said unemployment numbers in the state declined in February for the second consecutive month. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined by half a percentage point during February, to 5.2%, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Despite the jobless rate reduction, the state employment level edged down slightly over the month (-14,000), as did the number of unemployed (-28,000), state officials revealed. The unemployment rate in the U.S. decreased in February by one-tenth of a percentage point, to 6.2%, data shows. Since the height of pandemic-related layoffs in April 2020, Michigan unemployment fell by 841,000, or by 77.6%.

Some Michigan residents who were previously eligible will no longer receive additional weeks of unemployment benefits, the state revealed. Michigan is no longer in a high unemployment period, so claimants receiving extended benefits and pandemic unemployment assistance will not longer receive them for extra weeks, according to state officials. Under federal law, a state in a high unemployment period receives seven additional weeks of PUA and EB benefits. Since Michigan is no longer in a high unemployment period, those seven extra weeks will not be paid, according to officials. AdFor residents receiving extra benefits who have already been paid for the maximum number of weeks, their claim is considered exhausted, and there are no more weeks of extra benefits available, state officials said.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan residents who had PUA and PEUC claims that ended in December can now reopen, certify or apply for benefits, state unemployment officials said. Officials with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency said they have completed system updates for the recently extended federal unemployment insurance programs. All remaining Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation claimants whose claims ended when CARES Act programs were interrupted in December can now either reopen, certify or apply for benefits available under the Continued Assistance Act, according to the state. A new provision under the CAA requires PUA claimants to submit proof of employment or self-employment to maintain eligibility. Workers on regular state UI benefits will no longer receive the PEUC extension automatically.

Unemployment claims in Michigan have been at an all-time high during the pandemic. DETROIT – Someone is hacking into the Michigan unemployment office and filing claims for people who aren’t unemployed, Local 4′s Rod Meloni has learned. The victims didn’t know about these fraudulent claims until they saw unemployment income that they didn’t receive included on their tax forms, officials said. Those residents are being pushed up into a higher tax bracket as a result, state officials said. Michigan officials have seen an increase in fraudulent activities surrounding unemployment as thousands of residents try to get benefits because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Federal officials said the two filed at least 66 fraudulent Michigan unemployment insurance benefits claims, causing a loss of more than $150,000. “As I have said before, those who steal unemployment benefits steal from all of us. Court records show they had the fraudulent benefits deposited into a variety of bank accounts, including some connected to prepaid debit cards. Officials said Armstrong has filed fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits on behalf of people in Michigan, California and Pennsylvania. “The UIA remains committed to working closely with all of our federal and state partners on the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force to bring unemployment fraud cases to justice.”

RELATED: Michigan unemployment: Residents can start to claim remaining PEUC, PUA paymentsThere’s a new way people who are battling the Unemployment Insurance Agency can get help to solve these issues. The University of Michigan’s Workers’ Rights Clinic has law students assisting residents in solving what can be frustrating issues. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the school said the Workers’ Rights Clinic would average about 15 phone calls each week. The Workers’ Rights Clinic -- formerly the Unemployment Insurance Clinic -- offers advice, provides representation at more. To apply for legal assistance through the Workers’ Rights Clinic, visit the University of Michigan Law School’s official website here.

Michigan residents who have remaining pandemic unemployment payments can start to claim them this week, including the additional $300 COVID-19 benefit, state officials announced. Residents who claimed Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits and had weeks remaining on their claim as of Dec. 26, 2020, can start to certify their claims, according to the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. RELATED: Whitmer confirms start of $300 unemployment payments to Michiganders affected by COVID-19The certification process can be done through MiWAM accounts, officials said. Residents who didn’t exhaust their original 13 weeks of PEUC can claim the balance of remaining weeks, starting with the week ending Jan. 2, officials said. Claimants who didn’t exhaust their original 39 weeks of PUA payments can claim the balance of remaining weeks, beginning with the week ending Jan. 2, the state revealed.

The battle to collect unemployment benefits continues for many Michigan residents, but state officials said the $300 COVID-19 bonus is coming soon. State officials said that money is slowing making its way to Michigan. READ: Whitmer signs $106M relief bill, extends COVID-19 unemployment benefits through MarchThe Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payments run from Dec. 27, 2020, through March 13, 2021. They offer an additional $300 in benefits per week to Michigan claimants who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Claimants don’t have to take action to receive the additional payments.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan has started making the $300 weekly COVID-19 unemployment payments to eligible residents who were affected by the pandemic. The Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payments run from Dec. 27, 2020, through March 13, 2021. They offer an additional $300 in benefits per week to Michigan claimants who were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. PEUC provides 11 additional weeks of benefits for those who have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits. PUA provides unemployment benefits to those not typically eligible for unemployment including self-employed and gig workers.

Gretchen Whitmer held a briefing Tuesday (Dec. 29) to discuss the state’s handling of COVID-19, a $106 million relief bill, unemployment benefits and more. Gretchen Whitmer signs a $106 million COVID-19 relief bill on Dec. 29, 2020. “I proposed this stimulus plan to the legislature in November because I know how much our families, frontline workers, and small businesses need relief,” Whitmer said. Whitmer vetoes other itemsWhen she signed the relief bill, Whitmer line item vetoed any items not subject to negotiated agreement. Requests for legislationWhitmer makes public requests of the Michigan Legislature during nearly every COVID-19 briefing, and Tuesday was no different.

Michigan’s most recent COVID-19 order has issued, extended and then revised tighter restrictions on the state over the past six weeks. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the order has greatly improved the COVID-19 situation in Michigan, but does that timeline actually line up?

LANSING, Mich. – The three major metrics Michigan uses to gauge the spread of COVID-19 continue to improve, according to an update from the state’s top health official. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, updated the state’s case, hospitalization and positivity rates during Gov. These regions also have the highest case rates, though both are declining in that regard. As of Tuesday, 13.8% of inpatient hospital beds across the state are being used for COVID-19 patients, Khaldun said. While the numbers improve, nearly 71,000 people have been vaccinated in Michigan, Khaldun said.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s COVID-19 numbers have continued to improve in recent weeks, and Gov. READ: Timeline of how COVID trends have actually changed since Michigan issued, extended, revised order“Since my last press briefing, our numbers have continued to improve,” Whitmer said Tuesday. According to the governor, Michigan’s focus on science-based action, along with cooperation from residents, is responsible for the improving numbers. “Now, because of the actions that we’ve taken, and because so many Michiganders have done their part, our numbers are better than all of our Midwestern neighbors,” Whitmer said. “These numbers are encouraging.”While no announcement was made about further reopening parts of the state, Whitmer said officials are continuing to monitor COVID-19 trends closely to see if they’re affected by holiday travel.

Gretchen Whitmer has signed a $106 million relief bill and also extended COVID-19 unemployment benefits through March 2021. Gretchen Whitmer signs a bill extending COVID-19 unemployment benefits on Dec. 29, 2020. Forty states, including all of our neighbors, automatically provide at least 26 weeks of unemployment relief. Whitmer vetoes other itemsWhen she signed the relief bill, Whitmer line item vetoed any items not subject to negotiated agreement. Whitmer wants the Legislature to pass a permanent extension of unemployment benefits and an increase in weekly benefits.

The additional $300 weekly unemployment payments for residents who qualify for COVID-19 relief will be delayed in Michigan, officials said. Congress passed a COVID-19 relief package that extends the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation federal unemployment programs. “This federal extension will bring much needed relief to nearly 700,000 Michigan workers who are currently receiving benefits under the PUA and PEUC programs,” said Liza Estlund Olson, acting director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency. “We will have to make updates to our systems to extend benefits and renew the FPUC $300 supplemental payments,” the release says. Year-end tax statements for anyone who received unemployment benefits in 2020 will be available online in mid-January.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer estimates that the unemployment lapse would affect nearly 700,000 Michigan residents who are dependent upon unemployment benefits amid the pandemic. “We have hundreds of thousands of people in my state who are risk of losing their benefits,” Whitmer said on CNN Sunday morning. Get some relief to people,” Whitmer added, addressing Trump’s initial refusal to sign the $900 billion COVID relief bill that has been passed by Congress. Good news on Covid Relief Bill. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 27, 2020“Good news on Covid Relief Bill,” Trump tweeted.

DETROIT – Last month, when the director of the Michigan Unemployment Office resigned, promises were made that critical fixes would be made and help would arrive for the thousands struggling to get benefits. On Monday, those problems still remain. Many people have been going back and forth with unemployment officials for months with no end in sight. Many people are desperate for help. Watch the video above for the full report.

DETROIT – A father of four has been locked in a battle with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency since the summer. He hadn’t received any benefits, and after running into a problem at every turn he reached out to the Help Me Hank team for help. He has been working for months to try to get the benefits owed to him. Local 4′s Hank Winchester investigated and now the father will be getting his benefits. The problem was that the father’s identity had been stolen and because of that, his account was put on hold.

Gretchen Whitmer wants the state Legislature to pass a permanent extension of unemployment benefits as residents continue to deal with the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. “I also urged the Legislature to pass a permanent extension of unemployment benefits,” Whitmer said. “Just yesterday, they invited the Republican colleagues to join forces with them to protect unemployed Michiganders,” Whitmer said. Michigan looks to overhaul unemployment officeThe state of Michigan is looking to overhaul its unemployment office after the director’s sudden resignation. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the Michigan unemployment office has worked through significant issues.

LANSING, Mich. – An audit to address issues at the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) found that shortcuts used to expedite payments left the agency vulnerable to fraud in hundreds of millions of dollars. The audit done by Deloitte cited multiple actions taken that caused problems. Michigan officials are warning residents of an email scam that is attempting to retrieve personal information from individuals collecting unemployment benefits. According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, an email is being sent to claimants seeking personal information. The email is being sent from a Gmail account that appears to be from the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) -- it is not.

Michigan officials are warning residents of an email scam that is attempting to retrieve personal information from individuals collecting unemployment benefits. According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, an email is being sent to claimants seeking personal information. Michigan residents are being warned of an email scam targeting individuals who collect unemployment benefits. (Michigan Department of Attorney General)Officials say the UIA would never ask a claimant to reply to an email with personal information. “Bad actors are increasingly sophisticated in their efforts to deceive people into giving away personal information,” Nessel said.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan workers who returned to work after being on unemployment and are now temporarily unemployed again should reopen their claims online, officials said. “Michiganders who were on unemployment, went back to work, and are now temporarily unemployed again due to COVID-19 can reopen their claim online,” the UIA said in a release. Click here for more information on filing or reopening an unemployment claim, including FAQs, tutorial videos and other resources. UIA encouraged Michigan employers to file employer filed Claims online on behalf of their full-time workers who are temporarily or permanently laid off. The program allows job providers to retain their skilled workforce and avoid layoffs by reducing employee hours while employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up for the lost wages.

The state of Michigan is looking to overhaul its unemployment office after the director’s sudden resignation. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the Michigan unemployment office has worked through significant issues. The UIA has been flooded with calls, as more than 2 million Michigan residents have applied for benefits since the start of the pandemic. The system couldn’t keep up with demand, and many people were frustrated. UIA Director Steve Gray tried to answer questions from lawmakers, but now he is out.

LANSING, Mich. – A major move by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will extend unemployment benefits to those in need. The state of Michigan has already paid out more than $25 billion in unemployment benefits since the pandemic started. More than 2 million people have applied for unemployment and received help.tREAD: Michigan Gov. Whitmer signs bills extending unemployment benefits until end of yearNow, the help will continue through at least the end of the year because Whitmer signed bills extending unemployment benefits.

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. – A major compliant for thousands of Michiganders working to collect unemployment benefits has been trying to reach someone on the phone to answer questions. With Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency offices closed, residents have no choice but to rely on the website or phone -- but some changes are being made to make it easier. Millions of Michiganders have filed for unemployment and many have collected, while others have had issues from fraud to basic problems like reaching a person. The website had many issues early on -- it simply couldn’t keep up with the enormous demand and the phone system kept crashing. However, UIA branch offices remain closed with no open date scheduled.

LANSING, Mich. – Hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents could lose their unemployment benefits if lawmakers don’t act in the next few days, according to Gov. On Tuesday, she called on the Republican-leg legislature to return to the Capitol and negotiate new orders. The two side haven’t been able to reach agreements since Whitmer extended the state of emergency without legislative approval in April. “These are the men and women who’ve lost a job and were counting on expanded benefits to put food on the table for their kids,” Whitmer said. On Sept. 8, Whitmer signed a bill to allow Michigan residents who qualify for unemployment to earn an extra $300 per week.

Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill to allow Michigan residents who qualify for unemployment to earn an extra $300 per week as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues. The bill appropriates $2.8 billion in supplemental funding from revenues awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The $300 payments will continue until the relief funding has been exhausted. The bill also includes $8 million toward the Brandon Road Lock and Dam in Illinois, a barrier to prevent invasive carp from entering Lake Michigan. It also provides match funding for disaster flood cleanup in Midland and Gladwin counties, as well as funding to cover costs for flood response and mitigation efforts in Detroit.

Michigan unemployment worker charged with stealing money from agency amid record demandPublished: August 26, 2020, 5:44 pmA Michigan unemployment worker has been charged with stealing money from the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency at a time when thousands of residents are still having trouble getting benefits.

A Michigan unemployment worker has been charged with stealing money from the states Unemployment Insurance Agency at a time when thousands of residents are still having trouble getting benefits. More than 1.5 million Michigan residents have filed for unemployment benefits during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, but the need is so great that many people have had trouble collecting their payments. READ: FEMA approves Michigan for additional $300 in weekly unemployment paymentsNow, officials are investigating a disturbing new twist: employees on the inside stealing from the UIA. Anyone who steals unemployment funds steals form the people of Michigan.Rose and another employee, Serenity Poynter 36, of Detroit, are accused of filing almost 100 fraudulent unemployment claims. Investigators said they used Poynters name to file the claims and used different social security numbers.

DETROIT – Thousands of Michiganders are still struggling to get unemployment benefits in the state. The progress and upgrades to the Unemployment Insurance Agency’s computer and phone systems has helped many but unemployment offices remain closed. The issues with Michigan’s unemployment system include phone issues, websites crashing, identity theft and even accusations of wrong doing by some new hires on the inside. Part of its reopening plan includes adding new safety partitions to the UIA offices, allowing for customers to be on one side, staff on the other keeping both sides as safe as possible. Additionally, the UIA claims it is currently developing an online scheduling system that will also include one-on-one meetings over the internet.

DETROIT – Michigan unemployment officials said the $600 coronavirus (COVID-19) unemployment bonus will end this weekend. The Unemployment Insurance Agency announced Friday that the additional $600 weekly unemployment bonus offered to workers during the COVID-19 pandemic will expire Saturday, barring congressional action. States don’t have the ability to extend the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program and it’s unclear if federal officials plan to extend, reduce or eliminate the payments, according to Michigan officials. The extra $600 bonus has been paid to eligible residents since the beginning of April. Unemployment officials said they have made determinations on all currently eligible claims filed before June 1.

The state of Michigan has brought on Deloitte to help sort out issues with unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic. The state says Deloitte will assist the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) with financial operations, investigations into imposter claims, and a forensic review to help in identifying fraudulent activity that can be quickly turned over to law enforcement for prosecution. “As the UIA works to improve its systems to enhance customer service, data transparency, payment systems and fraud prevention, we’re glad to have Deloitte on our team,” said UIA Director Steve Gray. “The Deloitte team’s skills and experience help us protect Michiganders and provide unemployment benefits to our working families.”Deloitte will also bring additional capacity to help the state identify potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities and take action to mitigate identified risks. “Consistent with our commitment to our clients and our communities, Deloitte is pleased to bring our deep understanding of unemployment insurance systems and our broad capabilities in cybersecurity and forensic assessment to support the State of Michigan’s efforts to protect the integrity of their complex systems,” said David Parent, Michigan Managing Principal, Deloitte LLP.

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. The federal governments $600 per week coronavirus (COVID-19) unemployment bonus is set to expire by the end of the month, but will it be extended before then? Michigans economy is in a strange place, as businesses that have reopened are having a hard time finding workers who are making more money through unemployment. PREVIOUS: Will extra COVID-19 unemployment benefits be extended or replaced by back-to-work bonus? Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D) got emotional Thursday while talking about the number of unemployed people across Michigan and the country. Part of the program extended benefits to many who otherwise wouldnt qualify, especially small business owners.

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.

DETROIT – Consumer investigator Hank Winchester is getting expert insight into what’s happening in Michigan and what people on unemployment need to know. The newly released unemployment numbers show that more than 4.8 million people either went back to their existing jobs or found a new one. READ: Survey: Detroit unemployment at 45% during coronavirus pandemicThose numbers are from the month of June and at that time much of the country was open, or reopening. The other concern is that at the end of this month, unemployment benefits may be ending for many. Click here for more unemployment reportsWatch the video above for the full report

Experts break down the June unemployment numbersPublished: July 2, 2020, 5:23 pmConsumer investigator Hank Winchester is getting expert insight into what’s happening in Michigan and what people on unemployment need to know.

DETROIT – Scammers are targeting thousands of Michigan residents trying to get their unemployment benefits, making an already frustrating process even harder. Officials said scammers are somehow getting their hands on a list of people who have filed for benefits. They’re using that list to target residents who have already been hit hard by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Filing for unemployment has been a well-documented struggle for thousands of Michiganders. Help Me Hank has learned scammers are targeting those who have accounts locked and asking them to verify information over the phone.

DETROIT – Many businesses in Metro Detroit and around the state of Michigan are having a hard time finding workers since the coronavirus (COVID-19) unemployment bonuses don’t expire until the end of the month. Help wanted signs have been popping up all around town as businesses battle a lack of workers. “The economy can’t restart fully until employees are willing to return to work,” Block said. The shortage of workers should end after July, unless Congress decides to approve another stimulus. The state unemployment rate is at around 20% despite the many job availabilities.

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.”

In the article Whitmer says that she knew she was on her own to fend for Michigan after a call with Trump in mid-March. Whitmer had asked the federal government to supply Michigan with needed N95 masks from the national stockpile, and Trump reportedly declined and insisted states acquire their own supplies. Whitmer has since stood by her executive orders and is currently reopening the states economy in phases. A study by Imperial College London and Oxford University found that Whitmers rapid and aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic could have saved tens of thousands of lives. The author does say that based on the many conversations theyve had over the last few months, Gov.

Here’s what scammers are doing to target Michiganders filing for unemploymentPublished: June 19, 2020, 5:46 pmScammers are targeting thousands of Michigan residents trying to get their unemployment benefits, making an already frustrating process even harder.

LANSING, Mich. – Most of the state has reopened as the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) slows, but why are Michigan unemployment offices still closed? Secretary of State offices have reopened, but that’s not true for the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Residents are frustrated because they need answers and information from the UIA, but offices remain closed. With the website having issues and the phone system jammed, it seems like opening offices would help make the process smoother. Unemployment has become a hot button issue in Michigan, and the challenges have angered many residents.

Why are Michigan unemployment offices still closed? Published: June 18, 2020, 6:37 pmMost of the state has reopened as the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) slows, but why are Michigan unemployment offices still closed?

LANSING, Mich. – Lawmakers will have to figure out how to fix the Michigan unemployment system after hearing from frustrated residents about their struggles. Thousands of people are still struggling to file for unemployment in the state, and others are dealing with identity theft issues. On Thursday, lawmakers in Lansing got to hear about the challenges real Michiganders are facing. Now, massive identity theft dangers have hurt many trying to file. Lawmakers will now need to help the people who are still struggling to get their benefits and make sure this doesn’t happen again.

Lawmakers tasked with fixing Michigan unemployment problems after hearing from frustrated residentsPublished: June 18, 2020, 5:23 pmLawmakers will have to figure out how to fix the Michigan unemployment system after hearing from frustrated residents about their struggles.

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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.

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Michigan unemployment filers are fuming Monday after they showed up to an office that was supposed to be open and found it is still shut down. This is the latest bump in the road for Michiganders struggling to claim their unemployment benefits. Some drove a long distance, hoping to finally talk with a real person at the Michigan Unemployment Agency. Residents saw online that the office in Sterling Heights would be open Monday, and all day, a steady stream of people arrived and were disappointed to learn that wasn’t the case. PREVIOUSLY: Attorney threatens lawsuit over Michigan freezing unemployment paymentsThere is some good news on the unemployment front.

LANSING, Mich. A state representative wants Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to completely overhaul the states unemployment agency. Rep. Luke Meerman (R-88th District) wants the top boss of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency removed. He also wants technology upgraded. The call for change comes as thousands of Michiganders continue to have issues collecting unemployment benefits during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

DETROIT – An attorney is trying to help people who are in a battle with the state of Michigan after unemployment payments to thousands of residents were paused during an investigation into fraudulent claims. State officials are rushing to investigate the fraudulent unemployment claims, which led to payments to thousands of people -- including those with legitimate claims -- to be frozen. READ: Scammers causing even more delays for Michigan unemployment systemThe Michigan unemployment system has been a mess, and it’s a challenge for many residents to get their benefits, according to attorney Jennifer Lord. Right now, almost 350,000 Michiganders have their unemployment locked due to scams and identity thieves. She said even though it’s frustrating, the best thing residents can do is continue to rely on the resources available online.

DETROIT An attorney is threatening to sue the state of Michigan after unemployment payments to thousands of residents were paused during an investigation into fraudulent claims. State officials are rushing to investigate the fraudulent unemployment claims, which led to payments to thousands of people -- including those with legitimate claims -- to be frozen. READ: Scammers causing even more delays for Michigan unemployment systemNow, a lawyer is threatening legal action. The Michigan unemployment system has been a mess, and its a challenge for many residents to get their benefits, according to attorney Jennifer Lord. She said even though its frustrating, the best thing residents can do is continue to rely on the resources available online.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel created a new task force to prioritize the investigation and prosecution of fraud in the unemployment insurance program amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The task force plans to use IP addresses and financial records to identify and prosecute the fraudsters. Officials say this year’s surge in unemployment claims from Michigan families due to the COVID-19 crisis and the urgency to process the claims created opportunities for fraudsters to exploit the system. MORE: Scammers causing even more delays for Michigan unemployment systemThe task force will be led by Nessel, the U.S. Department of Labor, Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Michigan departments of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Management & Budget and Treasury. “Our message to those who wish to fraudulently benefit from the COVID-19 crisis is that we’re watching and you will be caught.”Individuals can report fraud in the unemployment insurance program online here.

DETROIT – Scammers targeting Michigan residents who have legitimately filed for unemployment are causing even more delays in the system as officials are forced to investigate. These scams are affecting thousands of Michiganders who have filed for unemployment, and many others who haven’t filed. READ: New problem keeps more Michigan residents from getting unemployment checksThe problem has gotten so serious that some people who have filed legitimately are having their accounts put on hold as the Unemployment Insurance Agency investigates. Scammers are also working to steal the identities of people who haven’t filed for unemployment. Our WDIV human resources team received letters that appeared to be from the unemployment agency about employees who never filed.

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.

DETROIT Thousands of people in Metro Detroit have had serious problems trying to file for unemployment during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. READ: Updating the progress of getting unemployment benefits to eligible MichigandersAt times, the website has crashed and the phone lines have been jammed. Michiganders had an opportunity to let state leaders know about their concerns. It was an opportunity to hear from real Michigan residents, people frustrated with the unemployment insurance agency. It was their chance to let state leaders know theyve had many issues while trying to file for benefits.