What disabled employees need to know so they can get Michigan workers’ comp and unemployment at the same time.
Getting hurt at work can turn your life upside down. Paychecks stop when your job refuses to accommodate restrictions. Financial responsibilities continue despite no money coming into the household. How are you going to pay the rent or mortgage? What about credit card bills or auto loans? Can you even still put food on the table? These are not easy problems to solve, and we want to help you understand legal rights. Many of our clients want to know “can you get workers’ comp and unemployment at the same time in Michigan?” This is a frequent question for disabled employees who find their workers’ comp benefits insufficient. It also comes up a lot after workers’ comp benefits have been cut-off.
Can I get workers’ comp and unemployment at the same time in Michigan?
In Michigan, you can get workers’ comp and unemployment at the same time, but it comes with strings attached. Workers’ comp is a safety net for people who are disabled from an on-the-job injury. It pays 80% of your after-tax average weekly wage subject to a state-wide maximum amount. This is based upon the highest 39 paid weeks before getting hurt. It includes overtime, discontinued fringe benefits, and even income from a second job. Workers’ comp benefits are typically paid through an insurance policy purchased by your employer. It requires showing that you cannot do your job or any other within qualifications and training. Workers’ comp benefits are paid for as long as a person is disabled.
Unemployment provides temporary income to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. The program is funded through unemployment taxes paid by employers. You must accurately report the reasons for not working. You must be available for work and actively searching for a job. Any wages you earn must be promptly reported.
The Conflict When Asking “Can You Get Workers’ Comp and Unemployment At The Same Time in Michigan?”
There is an obvious conflict when asking “can you get workers’ comp and unemployment at the same time in Michigan?” Workers’ comp requires showing that you are disabled. Unemployment requires you to be available and looking for a job. Here is how you can get both benefits at the same time in Michigan.
It is possible to be disabled from your job but still be able to perform another. You might not be able to do heavy work but could perform light duty if offered. The idea is that you are looking for a job within restrictions but still have a wage loss because of the work injury.
We recommend making a claim and explaining your situation to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). It is also possible to freeze unemployment benefits with a doctor’s note so that you can collect them later. This is important when disability is only temporary, but you have lost the job.
Be mindful that the receipt of unemployment benefits can impact Michigan workers’ comp. Unemployment benefits received for the same period and chargeable to the same employer can be offset. You might end up trading one dollar for another in the end. Please call our office if you need help coordinating your unemployment and worker’s comp benefits.
Injured on the job in Michigan? Call now, our attorneys can help!
If you were injured on the job in Michigan, and have questions on collecting workers’ comp and unemployment at the same time, call now at (855) 221-2667 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced lawyer. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.
For more than 40 years, our lawyers have been helping people like you who have suffered from on-the-job injuries in Michigan. We understand the physical, emotional, and psychological hardships you are experiencing from your workplace accident. We also have the skill, experience, and know-how to protect you and get you the best possible payout amount for your case.
To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.
Remember, every workers’ comp claim is different and must be negotiated on its own merits. Do not accept any payout amount without fully understanding your legal rights.
Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers law firm has consistently secured the largest settlements in the state and is the best choice for your case. We never charge a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 40 years. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.
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