The Michigan Work Share program provides an innovative option for Michigan employers facing potential layoffs due to a decline in business.
This program allows employers to retain their skilled workforce but at reduced hours, while employees, in turn, receive partial unemployment benefits to make up for the lost wages. Understanding how to apply and navigate through this significant program can provide vital support to both businesses and their employees during challenging economic periods. Let’s delve into the steps involved in applying for the Michigan Work Share Program.
Employers can apply to participate in the Workshare program through their MyWAM account. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Step 1: Access MyWAM
Go to michigan.gov UIA and click on “For Employers”. Then, log in to your MyWAM account for employers.
Step 2: Register for Workshare
Once in your account, click on “UI Tax”. If you have multiple accounts, make sure to select the account where you want to register for the Workshare plan. Scroll down and under “I Want To”, click on the “Register for Workshare Plans” hyperlink. Review the eligibility requirements and agree to the terms and conditions.
If you need assistance submitting your plan, provide your contact information. You will receive a call within 24 to 48 hours to assist you. Answer the required questions and click “Next Step”. Click “Submit” and input your password. You will see a confirmation page. Click “OK” to submit your Workshare registration request.
Step 3: Manage Workshare Plans
To submit your Workshare application, go back to your accounts page, click on “UI Tax”, and then click on “Manage Workshare Plans”.
File Upload
You can file your Workshare plan application by uploading employee information all at once using an Excel template, uploading a flat file, or manually entering information.
To view the file specifications, click on “Manage Workshare Plans” and then “View File Format”. You can also download the Excel template to create your employee file in advance. Save the file in an easily accessible location on your computer.
Step 4: Complete the Application
When you are ready to begin your application, click on “Workshare Plan Application”. Answer the series of questions regarding your business closure or hours limitation due to an executive order. Provide the name of the work unit to be covered by your plan and the number of employees in the affected unit. Specify the proposed start and end dates of the Workshare plan.
Indicate if your plan covers the entire 52-week plan period or just certain weeks. If it is an amendment for a prior Workshare plan, specify that as well. Propose the percentage of work reduction for this unit and agree to the terms and conditions.
Make sure to notify your employees and obtain the necessary approvals from collective bargaining unit representatives. Provide an estimate of the number of employees who would have been laid off without the Workshare plan. Click “Next Step” to proceed.
Step 5: Employee Information
Enter the names and information of all employees who will be included in your Workshare plan. Click on “Employees” at the top of the screen to enter each employee individually. Include their name, social security number, address, and other identifying information.
For non-US citizens, input the alien document type and expiration date. Use the legal name associated with the employee’s social security number and double-check for accuracy.
If you have multiple employees to add, click “Add Employees”. Once you have added all employees, click “Next Step” and then “Submit”. Enter your password to certify the information and click “OK”. You will see a confirmation page.
If you prefer to upload an Excel or text file, click on “Workshare Employees” and then “Import”. Select your saved file and click “Import”. Modify any necessary records before clicking “Next Step” and then “Submit”. Enter your password and click “OK”. You will receive a confirmation.
Step 6: Certify Employee Eligibility
To certify eligibility for your employees, log into your MyWAM account, click on “UI Tax”, and then “Manage Workshare Plans”. Locate your Workshare plan and click on the “File Certification” hyperlink.
Add each employee’s information, including the certification date(s) for which they should be paid. If you are on a bi-weekly schedule, input two certification dates. Each certification week starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday. Click “Add Employee” for each employee on the plan.
Once you have completed certification for all employees, click “Next Step”, then “Submit”. Enter your password, click “OK”, and you will receive a confirmation. Your employees will also receive notice of their enrollment in the Workshare program.
To ensure your employees are paid, certify their eligibility either weekly or bi-weekly on their certification dates.
And that’s it! By following these steps, you can successfully apply for the Workshare program as an employer in Michigan.