Deadline to join Michigan unemployment agency class action suit is Dec. 20
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(FOX 2) - Workers have until mid-December to join a class action lawsuit against Michigan's unemployment agency after the state agreed to a $55 million settlement.
The pandemic-era case stems from the state wrongly asking workers to repay the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency benefits before determining whether their appeals were submitted correctly and on time.
The agreement, which was already negotiated between the UIA and affected parties, involves the governmental agency not admitting liability and any workers signed onto the case must release all claims against the department.
The deadline to join the class action lawsuit is on Dec. 20 and must be done via email or by contacting the settlement administrator.
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What is Saunders v UIA?
The Covid health crisis that struck in 2020 played a major role in Michigan's unemployment agency becoming overwhelmed by claims from residents filing for benefits due to losing their jobs.
As problems cropped up and money was paid out, the unemployment agency sought to reclaim some funds it believed should not have been given.
The lawsuit claims the UIA improperly collected those funds from people who had appealed and protested the agency's decision to claw back benefits.
As part of a settlement with the agency, it will claim no liability in the case while agreeing to pay out $55 million to people who had their money retrieved from the agency.
How do I know if I'm part of the case?
Affected parties include anyone that had money collected from them despite filing an appeal protesting the decision.
Some appeals were pending when the action happened while other claims were not processed in a timely manner before the UIA retrieved funds.
If someone is not sure if they are part of the suit, they can call 1-866-499-4565 with questions.
Retrieving benefits
To get part of the settlement, affected parties will need to complete a claim form. It can find the link to that form here.
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