We know it’s going to be a long road of recovery and it’s not going to be easy. We’re going to lean on each other until we make it through to the other side.
I took to Facebook to ask how we could help newly eligible workers in metro Detroit file for unemployment.
The response was unexpected, over 200 comments from those of you who said you were saddled with questions and unsure about eligibility.
So today we’re talking to unemployment policy expert, Michele Evermore to get some your most pressing questions answered, starting with Waseem of Troy who asked if one’s primary job received a 40% pay cut and is still working, can they still apply for unemployment?
Absolutely you should apply for unemployment, there’s something called partial unemployment insurance which covers people who have lost some of their wages but not all of their work.
People who are getting regular wages and have a job can’t apply for unemployment but Evermore says that it shouldn’t make you feel discouraged watching those not working potentially get paid more than you.
These people are going to be so thankful in 6 months that they have attachment to some sort of job.
The last question comes from Rene, a mom from Walled Lake who says her son, a high school senior, got laid off from his part time job. He applied for the unemployment and got denied so she asks if he is eligible.
“So, usually full-time students don’t qualify,” said Evermore.
It’s still not clear in the new legislation whether full time students could be eligible but some minors, will have a chance.
if this person is a senior in high school and will be a new entrant to the job force when the year ends.
So people who didn’t make very much money should still be able to get a pandemic unemployment assistance.
If your hours have been only partially reduced, you’re still eligible.
If you’re a full-time student losing pay, but soon to be in the workforce full time, you too, should apply.
We want to hear from you and assist in navigating through the process of rebuilding Metro Detroit.
Email us at ReboundDetroit@wxyz.com or join us on The Rebound Detroit
