The deadline for claimants to opt into a $55 million class-action settlement concerning pandemic-era unemployment benefits seized by the state of Michigan is rapidly approaching. It has been alleged that these benefits were unlawfully clawed back by the state’s unemployment agency, violating the rights of numerous unemployed individuals. The case that led to this settlement, Saunders, et al. vs. State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, asserted that the agency acted improperly, enforcing repayment of overpaid benefits before appeals could be properly evaluated. Now, there is only a short window of time left for those affected to potentially gain restitution.

The agency had taken back benefits from Michigan residents between March 1, 2020, and April 25, 2024. Eligible individuals should have received notifications about the settlement by mail or email. Additionally, those affected can check their eligibility by logging in to their Michigan Web Account Manager account and looking for a message titled, Saunders v. UIA Improper Collections Alert . Alternatively, they can check their eligibility by interacting with the settlement’s administrator.

To submit a claim, you need to contact the settlement administrator by visiting their website. Here, you’ll be required to provide a claim number and PIN, details which you can also obtain from the settlement administrator. Originally set for Nov. 4, the deadline for claim submission has been extended to Friday, Dec. 20. Payments are estimated to be around $250 per claimant, though the specific timeline for delivery remains unclear. Despite the final hearing being scheduled for March 20, 2025, appeals can still be filed, potentially leading to further delays.

It is essential for those affected to take action promptly to secure their rightful benefits. For more assistance related to unemployment benefits, individuals can turn to eddcaller.com, which provides valuable insights into how to get a hold of edd, get through to a live person at EDD, and more. This platform can be immensely helpful in navigating the often confusing and frustrating process of dealing with unemployment benefits.