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Unemployment calculator  →  Michigan

Michigan Unemployment Calculator (2026)

Michigan pays $218 to $530 per week in 2026, plus $19.33 per dependent (up to five) on top of your base rate. The $530 maximum applies to claims filed on or after January 1, 2026. Benefits last 14 to 26 weeks — and further increases are already scheduled for 2027.

Data verified 2026-07-04Source: US DOL + state statuteEffective 2026-01-01
Weekly benefit range
$218 – $530
Duration
14–26 weeks
Formula
4.1% × highest quarter
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Michigan UIA official
The actual rule

How Michigan calculates it

Michigan's formula is 4.1% of your highest-earning base period quarter. A $10,000 top quarter pays $410 a week. Then add $19.33 per week for each dependent, up to five. Your total weekly rate, dependents included, is capped at $530 for claims filed on or after January 1, 2026.

The $218 minimum isn't a fixed number in the statute — it comes from the qualifying floor. You generally need at least $5,328 in your highest quarter (the state minimum wage of $13.73 times 388.06), and 4.1% of $5,328 is $218. Because it tracks the minimum wage, this floor rises each January. Duration-wise, your total pool is the lesser of 43% of your base period wages or 26 times your weekly rate, which works out to 14 to 26 weeks.

2027 is already scheduled to pay more under current law: the state minimum wage rises to $15.00 (pushing the minimum benefit to about $238), the per-dependent amount rises to $26.00, and the maximum rises to $614 — for claims filed on or after January 1, 2027.

4.1% × highest quarter, clamped to $218 – $530
Source: US DOL “Significant Provisions of State UI Laws” (Jan 2026) + state statute · verified 2026-07-04

About the minimum: Derived, not statutory: monetary eligibility floor is state min wage x 388.06 (MCL 421.46) = $13.73 x 388.06 = $5,328 HQ; 4.1% x $5,328 = $218. Will change 2027-01-01 (min wage $15.00 -> min WBA ~$238; per-dependent rises to $26.00; max to $614 per MCL 421.27).

Dependents: $19.33 per dependent up to 5

Qualifying

Do you qualify in Michigan?

The main route: wages in at least two base period quarters, at least $5,328 in your highest quarter, and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. The alternative route: wages in two or more quarters with total base period wages of at least 20 times the state average weekly wage.

You also must be unemployed through no fault of your own, able and available for work, and actively searching. Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) decides every claim.

Maximum total benefit: Lesser of 43% BPW or 26 x WBA.

Common questions

Michigan unemployment, in plain language

How much unemployment will I get in Michigan? +
Between $218 and $530 per week for 2026 claims, plus $19.33 per dependent (up to five) within the $530 cap. Your base rate is 4.1% of your highest-earning quarter — a $10,000 top quarter pays $410.
How long does unemployment last in Michigan? +
14 to 26 weeks. Your total pool is the lesser of 43% of your base period wages or 26 times your weekly rate, so steadier year-round earnings mean more weeks.
How is the Michigan weekly benefit calculated? +
4.1% of your highest-earning base period quarter, plus $19.33 per dependent up to five, capped at $530 per week for claims filed on or after January 1, 2026.
Does Michigan pay more if I have dependents? +
Yes: $19.33 per week for each dependent, up to five — that's up to $96.65 extra ($19.33 × 5). Your total weekly rate still can't exceed the $530 cap. In 2027 the per-dependent amount is scheduled to rise to $26.00.
Can I work part-time while on unemployment in Michigan? +
Yes. If you earn less than 1.5 times your weekly benefit, Michigan reduces your payment by 50 cents for each dollar earned; above 1.5 times, the reduction is dollar for dollar. Your benefit plus earnings together can't exceed 1.5 times your weekly rate. Report all earnings.
What do I need to qualify for unemployment in Michigan? +
Wages in at least two base period quarters, at least $5,328 in your highest quarter, and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times that quarter (or, alternatively, total wages of at least 20 times the state average weekly wage). Plus the standard rules: laid off through no fault of your own, able to work, and actively looking.
Is Michigan unemployment taxable? +
Yes, on your federal return. You can request 10% federal withholding with Form W-4V. State tax treatment varies — check current Michigan rules or ask a tax professional.
Will Michigan unemployment benefits go up in 2027? +
Yes, under current law. For claims filed on or after January 1, 2027, the maximum rises to $614, the per-dependent allowance to $26.00, and the minimum to about $238 as the state minimum wage reaches $15.00.
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