GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — FOX 17 is still getting dozens of emails a day asking specific questions about unemployment insurance. There's a law group at the University of Michigan that's willing to help.
It's called the Workers' Rights Clinic at the U of M Law School. It's been working on unemployment claims for years and understands just how frustrating the process can be.
“So if you have a non-monetary issue now, it’s because of the way it was programmed in 2013, ” said the group's director, Rachael Kohl.
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They wrongly accused thousands of people of fraud with about a 94% error rate. So the tens of thousands of determinations they sent out, the agency was wrong 94% of the time. They didn’t do anything wrong, said Kohl.
That's something that the FOX 17 Problem Solvers team uncovered back in 2015. Because of that reporting, there were lawsuits against Michigan and the state change unemployment laws and how it handles claims. But issues are still there.
“I’m also connected with the claimant advocates groups across the state and we are really trying to see if there are really any consistent or trending themes that we’re seeing, said Kohl. We want to present that to the agency to say ‘hey look you need to come up with answers for these particular things because we’re seeing this over and over and over again.”
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And she said she was filing a form to have UIA call us directly, but it’s been an additional two weeks and we haven’t heard from anybody, said Kendall Odom.
He got through on the phone only to be told to call back and that the issue would be fixed soon. But the temporary name and password didn't work.
“If I get into it, it can bring be to tears we have a newborn baby that I had at the end of February we’re not lucky enough to have a savings right now. We don’t have a dollar to our name. I’m blessed because I have a bridge card, but outside of that and having amazing family I don’t know what to do, ” said Odom.
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She told FOX 17 that her lease is up in May and she's not sure what's next since she's been served eviction papers with a court hearing in June.
“Once the claim is in, I’ll be patient I understand that the entire state is going through this. I know it’s not an attack on me personally but it’s like, 'how long are we wait you know? We’ve already waited seven weeks'.
“We have so many people showing us that these are the problems, these are the issues that we’re seeing. and hopefully we can build a better unemployment system going forward but.. it’s just.. what we have right now.”LANSING, MI -- Michigan residents in need of legal advice surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for a free legal consultation through the State Bar of Michigan.
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Known as the COVID-19 Rapid Response Helpline, the service is free and open to anyone in Michigan regardless of income. Those who call the hotline will receive a 25-minute consultation with a lawyer who practices in Michigan. Lawyers who have agreed to be part of the service will contact clients within four hours of the call being received.
Referrals received after 3:00 p.m. will be responded to by 10:00 a.m. the following day, according to a press release from the SBM. Lawyers are available to assist Michiganders with questions in several areas including:
Once the consultation begins the attorney will listen to the details of your case, provide their view of what is going on and offer possible options for the client, according to SBM spokesperson Elizabeth Couch. If the client and attorney agree that the case should move forward and there are options there, the two sides can come to an agreement on a rate to retain the lawyer for their case.
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Although the program is in the early stages, so far there has been a good response, Couch said. Approximately two-thirds of the calls revolve around unemployment or labor issues. However, the program has also connected people who need advice with matters like child custody and visitation rights during the pandemic.
The SBM is also offering another free service to first responders and front line workers who may need to consider estate planning such as drafting a will, medical powers of attorney and financial powers of attorney.
The service is available to “workers in medical facilities who are directly involved with the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients, ambulance crews, the cleaning crews that support their efforts, and police and EMTs, ” according to SBM’s website.
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In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.Unemployment compensation is supposed to be a safety net for employees who lose their jobs for reasons they cannot control. Unfortunately, the unemployment system often makes mistakes in the processing of claims, or overzealous employers claim employee misconduct or voluntary leave without a factual basis.
The employee is then disqualified from benefits, or the agency finds that they have fraudulently collected benefits. Many people accept these rulings without a challenge, surrendering their right to hundreds of dollars each week and, in some instances, are fined by the agency. If you have been denied benefits or have been found to have fraudulently collected benefits, you have the right to a redetermination and appeal, but you must meet very strict deadlines to preserve this right.
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If you have been unfairly denied unemployment compensation, you do not have to suffer or “deal with it.” Our unemployment compensation attorneys will explain all of your rights, explore every option, and provide you with aggressive representation when needed. We have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes inside and outside of the courtroom. Contact us today by filling out the form here or call us at (248) 729‑2414.
The employee is then disqualified from benefits or the agency finds that they have fraudulently collected benefits. Many people accept these rulings without a challenge, surrendering their right to hundreds of dollars each week and in some instances are fined by the agency.
If you have been denied benefits or have been found to have fraudulently collected benefits, you have the right to a re-determination and appeal, but you must meet very strict deadlines to preserve this right. We regularly represent employees in the unemployment process for a flat fee.
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At The Schipper Law Group of Troy, Michigan, we are experienced in unemployment appeals for denied benefits. We offer personalized attention to each of our clients, ensuring that they collect the benefits they are rightfully owed. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation, or call us at (248) 729-2414.
The Schipper Law Group has the knowledge and expertise to provide our clients with superior legal representation. Contact us today to get started.
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