The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) announced that federal disaster compensation is available to residents who lost their jobs, or had a temporary job loss, because of severe storms in April 2026.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available for those affected by tornadoes, severe storms and flooding across Michigan between April 10, and April 21, if they do not qualify for regular state unemployment insurance.

The presidential disaster declaration applies to workers in more than two dozen counties: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw and Wexford. 

Applications must be filed by Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026.

Individuals could receive up to 38 weeks of disaster unemployment benefits if they lost their job or are partially unemployed due to weather-related incidents, with all benefits ending Jan. 2, 2027. Eligibility for disaster unemployment benefits will be determined on a week-to-week basis.

Criteria to apply

To be eligible for benefits, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:

• Apply for regular unemployment insurance benefits in Michigan.
• Not qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits from any other state.
• Be an unemployed or self-unemployed worker whose unemployment was a direct result of the major disaster declared by the president.
• Be a U.S. national or a qualified alien.
• Worked or was self-employed or was scheduled to begin work or self-employment in an area affected by the disaster.
• Establish that the work or self-employment that can no longer be performed was a primary source of income.

Applicants must also meet one or more of these criteria:

• Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment due to the disaster
• Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury caused by the disaster.
• Became the breadwinner or major supporter of a household because of the death of the head of the household as a direct result of this disaster.
• Cannot work or perform self-employment due to closure of a facility by the federal government as a direct result of this disaster.
• Was to begin work and no longer has a job or is unable to reach the job as a direct result of the disaster.

You may qualify if your employment was affected in one or more of these ways but you have now returned to work.

How to apply

All applicants must first apply for regular unemployment benefits before being considered for disaster assistance. Individuals will not receive disaster unemployment benefits if they are eligible for regular benefits during this disaster.

1. Apply for regular unemployment insurance using the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) portal at Michigan.gov/UIA.

2. If denied, request Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Download the application packet, complete it electronically or by hand, then mail your printed copy to UIA. Download an information packet.

Those who are unable to download and print the application can stop into a UIA Local Office for assistance (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, no appointment needed). Find the nearest UIA Local Office at Michigan.gov/UIA. Print services are also available at your local library or Michigan Works! Association.

Applications must be mailed to:

        Unemployment Insurance Agency

        P.O. Box 169

        Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0169

3. Submit documentation

You must provide proof of your employment, self-employment, or work that was schedule to begin (or resume) when the disaster occurred.

Proof of employment can be submitted at the time of filing or within 21 days of filing a claim. If proof of employment is not provided, the claim will be denied and benefits will not be received. A copy of the most recent federal income tax forms or check stubs may also be required. Self-employed individuals should also provide Schedules SE and Schedule C or Schedule F.

UIA has created a webpage with more information about disaster unemployment assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).