Emergency unemployment benefits will be reduced by more than 10 percent at the end of the month due to the federal government's sequester situation.

The State of Michigan says the cuts are a result of the budget cuts put in place by the federal government.

The Emergency Unemployment Compensation program is federally funded and gives up to 34 weeks of extended benefits to people who have gone over their limit. The state says it will send letters in the mail to inform recipients about the reduction.

For weeks that begin on or after March 31, 2013, claimants who are currently collecting or will be collecting EUC will have their weekly benefit amount reduced by 10.7 percent. For example, if a claimant is receiving the average weekly benefit amount of $285.21, their new weekly benefit amount would be $254.69.

According to the state, the UIA is in the process of notifying claimants affected by this change.  Prior to March 31, 2013, a letter will be mailed to claimants informing them of the reduction in their benefits. Claimants should continue to certify with Michigan's Automated Response Voice Interactive Network (MARVIN) on their scheduled day and time.

For additional information regarding the EUC program, claimants may contact the UIA in the following ways: 

• Visit the UIA website at www.michigan.gov/uia to review EUC program updates or to submit an inquiry to the Agency's Virtual Problem Resolution (ViPR) agents who are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 


• Call the UIA Emergency Unemployment Compensation hotline, 1-800-638-3995 for pre-recorded updates to EUC program information.


• Call the UIA Customer Service Line at 1-866-500-0017. Customer Service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.


• Visit a UIA Problem Resolution Office (PRO) for in-person assistance. There are 15 PROs statewide. Visit the UIA website at www.michigan.gov/uia for a list of locations. 

Due to potentially high call volumes, and wait times in offices, the Agency recommends customers interact with its ViPR agents through an online claim web account. To register for an online claim web account, visit www.michigan.gov/uia and select "UIA Online Services for Unemployed Workers." 

Those who have exhausted unemployment benefits can find additional resources for health care, family support, housing, and more, by visiting www.michigan.gov/helpinghand.Unemployed workers should also visit Pure Michigan Talent Connect at www.mitalent.org to obtain information regarding job and training opportunities.

Copyright 2013 WNEM (Meredith Corporation).  All rights reserved.