Free · official rates · checked September 25, 2026
Starting a business on unemployment in Michigan
Here’s what Michigan allows while you’re on unemployment, and how to build your plan alongside your job search.
Michigan
No Self-Employment Assistance
Self-employment earnings must be reported for the week the work was done and reduce benefits, with no benefit in any week gross earnings exceed 1.5x your weekly benefit rate; seeking or working in self-employment does not count as a work search activity. Source
Job search: Since 19 Jul 2026, conduct and report at least three unique work search activities each week when certifying in MiWAM (up from one); keep a written record for audits, and new claimants must register with Michigan Works! and verify it at an appointment.
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Self-Employment Assistance in Michigan
No. Michigan doesn’t run Self-Employment Assistance, so unemployment is for people looking for work.
How self-employment affects your benefit
Self-employment earnings must be reported for the week the work was done and reduce benefits, with no benefit in any week gross earnings exceed 1.5x your weekly benefit rate; seeking or working in self-employment does not count as a work search activity.
Benefits are cut 50 cents per $1 earned while the calculation stays under 1.5x weekly benefit, then $1 per $1, and benefits plus earnings cannot exceed 1.5x weekly benefit.
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Your weekly job search
Since 19 Jul 2026, conduct and report at least three unique work search activities each week when certifying in MiWAM (up from one); keep a written record for audits, and new claimants must register with Michigan Works! and verify it at an appointment.
Pontia keeps your job-search record for you and links to MiTalent (Pure Michigan Talent Connect), so your plan and your search run side by side.
Other help in Michigan
- Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS): MRS manual §5200 allows self-employment/small business goals by informed choice; a viable business plan is required before the IPE is approved, the plan must draw partly on non-MRS resources, and the business must be for-profit, owned and run by the client, and non-speculative.
- Medicaid: Michigan expanded Medicaid, so the new work requirement applies to expansion adults: 80 hours or $580 net a month, and hours on your business count. Healthy Michigan Plan requirements start 1 Jan 2027 for applicants, and apply to enrollees with renewal dates on or after 1 Mar 2027 ($580/month earnings, including self-employment, or 80 hours).
- SBA Microloans of up to $50,000, and free advice from your local SBDC and SCORE mentors.
- On SSI or SSDI: PASS and the SSDI trial work period let you test a business.
Questions
Can I collect unemployment while starting a business in Michigan?+
No. Michigan doesn’t run Self-Employment Assistance, so unemployment is for people looking for work. Self-employment earnings must be reported for the week the work was done and reduce benefits, with no benefit in any week gross earnings exceed 1.5x your weekly benefit rate; seeking or working in self-employment does not count as a work search activity.
How many job contacts a week does Michigan require?+
Since 19 Jul 2026, conduct and report at least three unique work search activities each week when certifying in MiWAM (up from one); keep a written record for audits, and new claimants must register with Michigan Works! and verify it at an appointment.
How much is unemployment in Michigan?+
Between $218 and $530 a week in 2026, for up to 14-26 weeks. Your own amount is on your monetary determination.
What other help is there to start a business in Michigan?+
Free advice from your local SBDC and SCORE mentors, SBA microloans of up to $50,000, and, if you have a disability, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) can fund a self-employment plan. On SSI or SSDI, PASS and the trial work period let you test a business.
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Cite this page
"Start a business on unemployment in Michigan (2026)", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/us/michigan/ (updated September 25, 2026)
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