APA Member Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
As of 5/11/2020
Question:
Will I qualify for unemployment benefits if I am furloughed instead of being laid off?
Answer:
Probably. A furlough is a temporary layoff and, as such, you would only need to meet the same qualifying criteria that would need to be met with any type of layoff.
Question:
I am on an unpaid leave because the university has told me that there is no work for me to do as a result of the pandemic. Can I collect unemployment?
Answer:
Probably. You will most likely qualify for the same unemployment benefits that you would in a typical layoff or furlough situation. An unpaid leave is comparable to an unpaid furlough as it indicates a lack of work coupled with the intention that there will be work in the future and you will return to your job.
Question:
How should I file my claim?
Answer:
Online if possible. If your last name starts with A-L you can file your claims online on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  If your last name starts with M-Z, you can file your claim online on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. If you missed your day online, you can file on Saturday.
Question:
Can the APA help me file my claim? The university?
Answer:
No. You must file your claim on your own.
Question:
How much will I get in unemployment benefits?
Answer:
The amount of unemployment benefits that you will be awarded is determined by the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency and can be up to $362/week. You may also receive an additional $600/week for up to 4 months ending July 31, 2020. After July 31, 2020 the $600 per week will not apply unless new legislation is passed.
Question:
Will I need to register for work after I file my claim?
Answer:
No. That requirement has been temporarily suspended.
Question:
How many weeks can I collect unemployment?
Answer:
The amount of time that you can collect unemployment benefits has been extended up to 39 weeks under the CARES act.
Question:
Can I collect unemployment benefits while on an unpaid leave or furlough if I had the option of getting paid by my employer for accrued time off instead of taking unpaid time off or furlough?
Answer:
Probably not because you had the option of continuing to be paid by your employer. If you choose to file a claim in order to obtain a definitive answer to this question, be honest in your responses to the questions or you could be found guilty of unemployment fraud.
Question:
My work schedule has been reduced and I am receiving less than my normal wage. Can I collect unemployment?
Answer:
Maybe. However, keep in mind that even though you may qualify for some unemployment with a reduced schedule/reduced pay, you may not receive the full $362, but you will still be using up 1 week of unemployment out of the maximum number of weeks that you will be able to collect unemployment. With that said, it is possible that you will still get the full $600 of federal monies each week through July 31, 2020 that you are working a reduced schedule with reduced pay, so it may still make financial sense to file for unemployment while working a reduced schedule with reduced pay.
Question:
When should I file my claim?
Answer:
During your first week of unemployment.
Question:
I didn’t realize that I might qualify for unemployment due to being on unpaid leave or having reduced hours with reduced pay and I never filed. Is it too late?
Answer:
As a result of the pandemic you can still file an unemployment claim up to 28 days since the last date you worked (or last date you worked your regular hours with regular pay).
Question:
Can the APA help me if my claim gets denied?
Answer:
You may qualify for assistance through your APA/MEA membership benefits if you have been denied unemployment. Please contact BOTH your MEA UniServ Director and your APA immediately so that you don’t miss any deadlines to appeal the decision. Please email both [email protected] and [email protected].
Question:
Where can I go to get more information?
Answer:
Go to www.Michigan.gov/leo and choose the tab “ Unemployment Benefits Resources For Employeesâ€Â under the heading “COVID-19 Resources For Employees and Employers†which you will find midway down the page.