Residents in nine hard-hit Michigan counties have just scored a twofer on aid following the devastating summer storms: tax deadline extensions and unemployment assistance. Seeking to provide relief to those battered by Mother Nature's wrath, the Michigan Department of Treasury is allowing additional time to file state tax returns and pay up without penalties for folks in Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland and Wayne counties, CBS Detroit reported. This leniency comes after President Biden's disaster declaration, which made federal aid available to the storm-stricken residents.
On another lifeline, Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits will be on the table for qualifying individuals whose jobs were disrupted by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that hit between August 24 and 26, 2023. According to a release by the agency, eligible residents have until March 27, 2024, to apply for the jobless benefits under the Presidential Disaster Declaration FEMA-# 4757 DR. This help is a salve for many who find themselves jobless, through no fault of their own.
"A natural disaster can be devastating both personally and financially," State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks stated, recognizing the double whammy many Michiganders have been dealt. "By providing tax relief, disaster survivors will have more time to focus on recovering and getting their lives back to a sense of normalcy," Eubanks told CBS Detroit. Getting state tax off their backs is one hurdle they won't have to jump for now.
The Unemployment Insurance Agency isn't just throwing money at the problem, either. They're providing resources to help claimants navigate the system. This includes a new UIA Claimant Roadmap, online sessions for first-time filers, and the UIA Community Connect outreach to assist workers from underserved groups. In a move to ramp up their services, the UIA also announced hires and pay increases for their Advocacy Program, ensuring that workers and employers have the right backup for appeal hearings. For a full list of available resources or to set up an appointment, workers are encouraged to visit their website.
Not to worry, whether you're trying to file your taxes or collect a much-needed unemployment check, help seems to be just a call or click away. Those affected should reach out pronto – to both the Michigan Department of Treasury and UIA – to see what forms of assistance they're eligible for and start the process of getting their ducks in a row. In these trying times, every bit of relief can help ease the path toward recovery.
