Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Monday highlighted new unemployment protections for survivors of domestic violence that take effect on July 17, 2026, ensuring access to critical financial support as they seek safety from an abuser.
The new provision is one of several changes to unemployment law that passed with bipartisan support and signed by the governor (Public Act 238). The provision allows someone who left work due to domestic violence to qualify for unemployment benefits if they otherwise meet eligibility requirements.
“This law marks an important step in supporting survivors of domestic violence in Michigan,” Governor Whitmer said. “It means survivors will have more resources and stability when making the difficult decision to leave a dangerous situation. No one should have to choose between their safety and their paycheck. These protections will help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and support.”
The provision goes into effect on July 17, 2026, and aligns Michigan with a growing number of states that have enacted unemployment protections for survivors of domestic violence. Michigan’s version stands out for its confidentiality and safety features. The law includes a strict prohibition on disclosing domestic-violence related evidence, accepts documentation from a range of sources (not just law enforcement), and outlines multiple qualifying circumstances that reflect the real ways domestic violence can affect employment. Workers can also use alternate contact information if needed to be safe.
“This protection recognizes the challenges survivors of domestic violence face and provides important financial support in a critical time,” said Jason Palmer, director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). “We thank the many stakeholders who worked closely with UIA to ensure a careful and deliberate implementation of this consequential provision.”
“Financial control is one of the most common and powerful tools used by abusers,” said Elinor Jordan, public benefits law attorney at Michigan Poverty Law Program. “Survivors often stay because they fear losing income, housing, or the ability to care for their families. These new protections – including strict confidentiality around their unemployment claim – give people crucial financial support that can help them take steps toward safety.”
UIA has posted a detailed FAQ about the new domestic violence provision on a new webpage about this month's law changes at Michigan.gov/UIALawChanges.
UIA encourages workers seeking benefits to review eligibility requirements and available resources before filing a claim. When completing an application, claimants will see “domestic violence” as one of the selectable separation reasons. Information about applying for unemployment benefits, required documentation, and claimant resources is available at Michigan.gov/UIA.
The new provision is one of several changes to unemployment law that passed with bipartisan support and signed by the governor (Public Act 238). The provision allows someone who left work due to domestic violence to qualify for unemployment benefits if they otherwise meet eligibility requirements.
“This law marks an important step in supporting survivors of domestic violence in Michigan,” Governor Whitmer said. “It means survivors will have more resources and stability when making the difficult decision to leave a dangerous situation. No one should have to choose between their safety and their paycheck. These protections will help survivors rebuild their lives with dignity and support.”
The provision goes into effect on July 17, 2026, and aligns Michigan with a growing number of states that have enacted unemployment protections for survivors of domestic violence. Michigan’s version stands out for its confidentiality and safety features. The law includes a strict prohibition on disclosing domestic-violence related evidence, accepts documentation from a range of sources (not just law enforcement), and outlines multiple qualifying circumstances that reflect the real ways domestic violence can affect employment. Workers can also use alternate contact information if needed to be safe.
“This protection recognizes the challenges survivors of domestic violence face and provides important financial support in a critical time,” said Jason Palmer, director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). “We thank the many stakeholders who worked closely with UIA to ensure a careful and deliberate implementation of this consequential provision.”
“Financial control is one of the most common and powerful tools used by abusers,” said Elinor Jordan, public benefits law attorney at Michigan Poverty Law Program. “Survivors often stay because they fear losing income, housing, or the ability to care for their families. These new protections – including strict confidentiality around their unemployment claim – give people crucial financial support that can help them take steps toward safety.”
UIA has posted a detailed FAQ about the new domestic violence provision on a new webpage about this month's law changes at Michigan.gov/UIALawChanges.
UIA encourages workers seeking benefits to review eligibility requirements and available resources before filing a claim. When completing an application, claimants will see “domestic violence” as one of the selectable separation reasons. Information about applying for unemployment benefits, required documentation, and claimant resources is available at Michigan.gov/UIA.
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