Despite NFIB’s efforts (see HERE), legislation was passed in December of 2024 that would increase unemployment insurance benefits and duration. These changes are set to take effect on April 2, 2025.

Ironically, these changes are set to take place as small businesses continue to struggle to find workers and as Michigan’s unemployment numbers continue to rise to 5.3%, with the national rate being 4.1%.

The changes include:

• An increase in the maximum weeks of benefits from the current 20 to 26;

• An increase in the maximum weekly benefit from the current $362 to $446 this year, $530 in 2026, and $614 in 2027;

• An increase in the amount for each dependent (up to a maximum of five) from the current $6 each to $12.66 each this year, $19.33 each in 2026 and $26 each in 2027; and

• Beginning in 2028, the state treasurer will set the weekly benefit and dependent amounts, based on the national Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the U.S. Department of Labor.

NFIB will continue to fight to halt increases in UI benefits and their subsequent tax increases for small businesses in this legislative session and beyond.