More than 1 million people - over a quarter of Michigan’s workforce - have filed for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s top labor official said Monday.

Last week, Michigan reported more than 828,800 unemployment claims filed in the state from March 8 to April 4. Michigan’s pre-coronavirus record for new unemployment claims occurred during the Great Recession in January 2009, when there were 77,000 claims in a week.

The state’s official count will be updated later this week. But during a Monday press conference, Jeff Donofrio, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Opportunity, said the total now tops 1 million, breaking previous records for the largest overall increase and the largest total number of individuals filing for unemployment insurance in state history.

“We are committed to making sure that every eligible Michigander who needs unemployment insurance benefits will get them,” he said.

The heavy volume of people seeking unemployment benefits has caused ongoing issues for the state’s unemployment agency. Earlier Monday, the Unemployment Insurance Agency’s website crashed as self-employed workers, gig workers, 1099-independent contractors and low-wage workers affected by COVID-19 began applying for federal unemployment benefits.

The state’s online unemployment system previously crashed on March 31 as it was inundated with residents filing claims amid mass layoffs due to the coronavirus. Days later, the system was purposely taken offline for upgrades to the website.

There have been numerous reports over the past few weeks that the system has been slow and at times difficult to access.

Michigan isn’t alone in experiencing these issues, Donofrio said, noting Michigan’s numbers are the third highest in the nation after California and Pennsylvania.

He said the agency has expanded the number of staff available to take claims in Michigan and said everyone is “working around the clock to make sure that you can file your claim, and we won’t rest until everyone has done so.”

Donofrio said $350 million has been paid out to almost 600,000 Michigan residents so far. Most individuals who are eligible to file claims have done so, he added.

He said he understands the frustration of those who have not yet been able to file, and asked residents filing claims to follow the guidance of filing on different days based on their last name or try filing during off-peak hours, such as after 8 p.m.

“We ask for your grace and patience as we work to get benefits to those in need,” he said. “We’re adding capacity, we’re increasing eligibility and benefits and making sure that we work hard to provide that emergency relief that’s needed to weather this economic crisis.”

The state reported its first confirmed cases of COVID-19 on March 10, which triggered a state of emergency declaration by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The governor recently extended the state’s stay-at-home order, which bars non-essential in-person business and activity across the state, through April 30 in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

The best way to file a claim is online at Michigan.gov/UIA, though residents can also call 866-500-0017.

Residents with a last name that starts with A-L are asked to file claims online Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and those with a last name that starts with M-Z should file claims Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Officials recommend trying to access the server outside peak hours, like between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. daily.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus.

Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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