By Sadie Shepherd
UNIVERSITY CENTER – 70% of college students work while completing their studies, according to a study from Georgetown University. As the coronavirus has begun rapidly spreading in the United States, many students find themselves less concerned about online classes and more concerned with layoffs.
Many service workers find themselves losing tips and hours, and at times, employment entirely, with Michigan bars and restaurants being limited to take-out and delivery per Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s orders.
Many retail establishments are cutting hours, with some even temporarily closing their doors for several weeks. On-campus workers are also suffering in the uncertainty as college campuses, including Delta College, opt to close to the public.
So, what resources are available to students who find themselves laid off for several weeks if not longer?
First, check with your workplace to see if there will be any compensation during temporary closures. Many companies are dedicated to paying their employees’ average wages during the time off.
If you have been laid off by your employer, you can apply for unemployment through the state at Michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 1-866-500-0017.
Whitmer has expanded unemployment rights to those who are out of work due to unplanned child or family care obligations, and to those who are sick or quarantined and without paid sick leave.
Beyond that, the governor has extended the benefits period from 20 weeks to 26 weeks and the application period from 14 days to 28 days.
For on-campus workers, Delta’s human resources department sent an email detailing their plans for the rest of the semester. Unless told otherwise by a supervisor, student workers do not have to work remotely or appear to work in-person and will still receive their average bi-weekly pay.
For those who do not apply for unemployment benefits or paid leave and are willing to work with the public at this time, many grocery stores are hiring temporary workers to keep stores clean and well-stocked. Walmart, Kroger, Meijer and Aldi are all currently hiring with many of these companies offering hourly bonuses to reward their staff during this stressful period.
Thankfully, some monetary relief seems to be on the horizon for all taxpayers as President Donald Trump is currently negotiating a deal to send every citizen between $1000 and $2000. There will be two payments of the same amount sent: one in April and another in May. Specific details on this program are still being hashed out in Congress with more concrete details to come.
As of Saturday, March 21, Whitmer has also ordered hair and nail salons to close because of the virus.
With the potential for further closures on the horizon, students with questions about unemployment and if they qualify are urged to visit https://www.michigan.gov/leo/0,5863,7-336-78421_97241_89980—,00.html for more details.
For information on how to apply for benefits visit: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/uia/160_-_Claiming_UI_Benefit_In_Michigan_-_Jan2014_444213_7.pdf
