WILL I BE ABLE TO RECEIVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WHEN MY WORK ENDS?
Issues for seasonal workers
Michigan has regulations that could mean the denial of unemployment benefits to some seasonal workers. If you work as a "seasonal employee" for some employers, the Unemployment Agency could deny you unemployment benefits after the work season ends.
- Some employers who hire seasonal worker have applied to the unemployment office for permission to be designated as "seasonal employers." If your employer has been designated a seasonal employer by the government, and you have been promised a job again next season, you will not get unemployment benefits, unless the promise made by your employer to rehire you next year is not kept.
- However, if you begin working for the "seasonal employer" before the beginning of the normal seasonal work period or continue working for the employer after the end of the designated seasonal period, you will be entitled to unemployment benefits.
What You Should Do To Protect Your Rights
- Before accepting employment with an employer, ask if the employer has been designated as a "Seasonal Employer." Call our office if you are unsure.
- Look for any sign in the place used by the employer to post notices so that you will know whether your employer has applied to be a "Seasonal Employer."
- When your employment term ends, apply for unemployment benefits at the nearest Unemployment Agency.
- If you apply for benefits in your home state after performing work there, you will not be affected by the Michigan "seasonal employment" exemption.
- Even if you are denied unemployment benefits, you must still apply for unemployment benefits and make all your reports to the agency as if you were receiving these benefits. Doing so will protect your right to receive benefits if you come back next year and are unable to find work.
IMPORTANT!
If you cannot apply or have other problems with the Unemployment Agency when you try to apply for benefits because of difficulty understanding English, contact an FLS office immediately. Unemployment Agency policy requires that bilingual services be available to clients who cannot read, write or understand English.
If you have questions call or visit an office of Farmworker Legal Services.
