UNDATED (WTVB) – Figures from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity show nearly 14,000 unemployment claims have been filed in Branch County over the last six weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The most claims were made during the week of April 11 when over 3,400 claims were filed.
Over 2,900 claims were filed in Branch County this week.
The number of Branch County unemployment claims has been lower than neighboring counties.
Over 18,000 have been filed in Hillsdale and St. Joseph Counties while over 55,000 have been filed in Calhoun County.
State officials say every eligible Michigander who files a claim will receive unemployment benefits. The initial filing period has been extended to 28 days. If there are continued technical issues with a worker’s account, the UIA will allow additional time to ensure benefits are paid.
In addition, benefits have been extended to 39 weeks and will be back-dated to the date an applicant lost employment due to COVID-19.
The fastest way to file a claim is online at www.michigan.gov/uia. You are asked to use the website during off peak hours – between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. for improved service. Filing a claim should take between 20-25 minutes.
