"I wanted to post this, because so many times people post negative things or complaints, and today I want to share a positive experience, thanks to Mr.David Blanchard and law firm.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, hundreds of thousands were encouraged to apply for Unemployment Insurance, by media, our state government and Mr. Steven Gray (Director of UIA at the time). My ex-wife applied, qualified, certified weekly, answered all questions honestly, UIA approved, and she received benefits. Fast forward to today, she’s been asked to return all benefits received, thru no fault of her own. COLLECTIONS had begun, on a person who hasn’t had even had a parking ticket, not a single criminal/civil/traffic incident in her entire life.
UIA determined OVERPAYMENT as the reason. The COVID-19 qualifications, during a world wide Disaster, were forgotten about and only Pre-COVID UIA rules were applied to hers and many many others cases.
For over 2 years, there’s been no help from UIA
staff/management, UIA appeals, court, state government… It appeared hopeless for my ex-wife and 100,000s’ of others in the same predicament. Then a miracle took place on 12/22/2022, UIA announced a “Pause on Collections” (via email). Come to find out, Mr. David Blanchard and his firm had filed a lawsuit against the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. A brilliant case was presented, resulting in wins on many issues and the resulting PAUSE on COLLECTIONS was issued by the courts.
On 1-10-2023, Mr. Blanchard returned my call from several days prior. He took the time to explain the UIA pending lawsuit/appeal and listened patiently to details of my ex-wifes UIA case, offering his thoughts. His Valuable Time and Wealth of Knowledge was Greatly Appreciated!
I don’t know if anyone actually reads this, but if you do I want to say THANK YOU. You’ve given 100s of 1,000s, including my ex-wife something they haven’t had and that is “A VOICE“. GOD Bless you Mr. Blanchard and Law Firm and Keep Up the Great Work!!!"