Impacted Federal Workers in Michigan Offered Support Amid Layoffs

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity gathers resources to assist affected Michiganders laid off from federal positions

Lansing, MI – For federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is highlighting resources to support them.

“Federal workers who reside in Michigan and have been impacted by recent layoffs can tap into our resources to ensure they have what they need at this time,” said LEO Director Susan Corbin. “Our department is working to ensure laid off federal workers can access services – including filing for unemployment and searching for a new job – to help them on a pathway to new opportunities and a brighter future in Michigan.”

A comprehensive new webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search and community resources.

“Being laid off is a stressful experience for anyone who loses a job through no fault of their own,” said Jason Palmer, Director of the Unemployment Insurance Agency. “Our new webpage has information that will help people file an unemployment claim and connect them to other resources that provide assistance at a chaotic time in their lives.”

RESOURCES

Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:

• UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
• Online coaching sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
• UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
• Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
• Looking for work: Tips to understanding your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
• Assistance with setting up an account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.

For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, they can call Customer Service at 866-500-0017 .

In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers.

“Impacted federal workers may be eligible to receive services through one or more workforce development programs,” said Krista Johnson, Workforce Development Deputy Director for LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “Workers should contact their local Michigan Works! service center for information about programs and services that may be available to assist them with finding another job, upgrading their skills, or embarking on a new career path.”

Services offered through Michigan Works! include:

Basic Career Services,which are available to all workers seeking services.

• Program information and basic assessment
• Individual job development and employment planning
• Advanced screened referrals
• Group activities
• Job search

Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.

• Comprehensive specialized assessment
• Counseling
• Short-term pre-vocational skills
• Case management
• Literacy activities
• Out-of-area job search
• Relocation assistance
• Internship and work experience

Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.

• Occupational skills
• On-the-job training
• Workplace training with related instruction
• Registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship
• Incumbent worker
• Skill upgrading and retraining
• Entrepreneurial training
• Adult education/literacy activities in combination with any other training service

To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call 800-285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.

Additional helpful sites for workers:

Pure Michigan Talent Connect

Michigan’s labor exchange for connecting job seekers and employers:
MiTalent.org

Learn More, Earn More
Discover Adult Education Services in Michigan to improve education levels, obtain a high school credential, or become a better English speaker:
Michigan.gov/LearnMoreEarnMore

State of Michigan Job Vacancies

Laid-off federal workers who may be interested in a position at the State of Michigan can find openings and are encouraged to apply at: Governmentjobs.com/careers/michigan

Michigan Career Portal

Through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)’s national You Can in Michigan talent attraction and retention campaign, the state offers the Michigan Career Portal as a comprehensive resource for reviewing job openings across Michigan: Michigancareerportal.org

Michigan Reconnect

Michigan Reconnect is available for adults 25 and up without a college degree to earn a tuition-free degree or skill certificate at their local community or Tribal college: Michigan.gov/Reconnect

Child Care Assistance

The State of Michigan offers support for child care to qualifying families as they work or go to school through the Child Development and Care program: Michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/child-care-assistance

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