UIA Director Palmer outlines changes to unemployment eligibility and work certification requirements

The Michigan Legislature's Subcommittee on State and Local Public Assistance Programs convened on May 22, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding unemployment assistance and its administration. A significant focus of the meeting was the recent updates to the eligibility requirements for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which aim to align with Department of Labor (DOL) guidance and ensure compliance with statutory regulations.

During the discussions, the new director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) emphasized that unemployment assistance is intended as a temporary solution for individuals facing unexpected hardships. The director confirmed that under their leadership, the agency will require claimants to certify their ability and availability to work more frequently, increasing the certification requirement from once to three times. This change is expected to enhance accountability and encourage claimants to actively seek employment.

Concerns were raised regarding the previous allowance of self-attestation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which some committee members argued may have contributed to a disconnect between available jobs and those receiving unemployment benefits. The director acknowledged the challenges faced during that period but did not provide specific data to support or refute these claims.

The meeting also highlighted alarming findings from a December report, which revealed that unemployment benefits were improperly distributed to various ineligible groups, including incarcerated individuals, deceased persons, and those living in long-term care facilities. This raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the UIA's oversight and the need for reform.

As the new UIA director, there is a clear commitment to addressing these issues and improving the agency's operations. The discussions underscored the importance of reforming the unemployment assistance system to prevent past failures and ensure that support reaches those who genuinely need it. The subcommittee's ongoing oversight will be crucial in monitoring these changes and their impact on Michigan's workforce.