Specializing in Unemployment So You Don’t Have To

The Simple Solution to Reduce Unemployment Costs and Manage Risk

The unemployment process can be complicated and difficult for employers to navigate. This is especially true for nonprofit employers. 501 Alliance is an alliance of experts who take the worry away. We provide a cost-effective unemployment solution that will save you time, money and headaches.

About 501 Alliance

501 Alliance helps hundreds of nonprofits like yours to meet their obligations to employees under state unemployment compensation regulations. We are an alternative, lower-cost solution to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). Unlike others, we are a nonprofit exclusively serving nonprofits in Michigan. 501 Alliance was founded in 1972 – when new tax laws made it possible for nonprofit agencies to handle unemployment compensation services through group reimbursement – and has grown to be the leading group unemployment compensation provider in Michigan.

Membership Benefits

Membership has its advantages. But at what cost? $0 in fees, plus low rates, Michigan expertise, risk mitigation, less worry and more resources, and responsiveness to your needs. Explore your membership benefits.

Low Rates

We have our own specialized rating system – which means nonprofit organizations benefit with lower rates compared to the state of Michigan. All qualifying new members receive a 25% discount off their current rate with the state.

No Fees or Costs

Probably sounds too good, right? But it’s true. There are no membership fees or additional costs to join. Every dollar of your quarterly payment goes into your own account to pay current or future claims for unemployment benefits.

Michigan Expertise

We pride ourselves on having Michigan expertise. Unlike other groups that attempt to keep up with unemployment in every state, we are a Michigan-based nonprofit exclusively serving Michigan nonprofits. Since our founding in 1972, we have grown to be the leading group unemployment compensation provider in Michigan.

Regain Resources

Time is money. 501 Alliance manages your unemployment services. That enables members to focus their resources and efforts on what matters most – their charitable missions. Let us take the worry away from you and your organization through our cost-effective unemployment solution that will save you time and money.

Manage Risk

We’ve got you covered. We’re here to help you manage your unemployment risks. 501 Alliance handles, at no cost, all of your claims processing, including: finding errors, protesting incorrect claims, finding fraudulent claims, representing you at hearings, handling payments and obtaining credits from the state … and more.

Responsive Support

Don’t expect bureaucracy with 501 Alliance. Just ask our members. We’re responsive, supportive, personable and knowledgeable. Simply contact us by phone or email and experience the difference. Plus, our reporting system provides members with 24/7 access to the number of claims filed, protested, benefits collected and win percentages.

Reduce Your Stress

Join 501 Alliance to outsource your claims processing and start taking advantage of all the benefits. It’s easy, there’s no risk or fees, but plenty of help for you and your nonprofit organization. Reduce your stress now.

Check Out the Savings / Payment Calculators

Contributing employers – how much money can your organization save by joining 501 Alliance?

Reimbursing employers – how much money would your organization pay?

See for yourself with our convenient calculators.

News / Blog

Be in the know. We’ll keep you updated on unemployment compensation and industry news, and share helpful tips. We’ve got you covered.

Lifecycle of an Unemployment Claim

Lifecycle of an Unemployment Claim Unemployment begins with a separation. This could be a quit, discharge, lack of work, or even someone who is still employed and filing for partial benefits. Step 1: Separation – [...]
March 11, 2024

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Best Practices Documentation is a great defense against potentially paying out unnecessary unemployment benefits. Effective documentation can help protect from rate increases as well as UI Integrity fees, fines or penalties. Documenting events as they occur [...]
February 15, 2024

Annual Meeting – Thursday, May 9

All 501 Alliance members are invited to attend the 2024 Annual Meeting.  There is no cost to attend but RSVP is required as space is limited.  Bring up to two representatives from your member agency. [...]
February 8, 2024

What is Hearsay Testimony?

Hearsay is a legal term generally defined as “an out-of-court statement introduced to prove the truth of the matter asserted”. Hearsay testimony can be admissible in an unemployment hearing; however, it is not given the [...]
November 27, 2023

Background Checks Impact on Unemployment

Often employers will allow an employee to begin working prior to all of the background information being completed. This type of conditional employment is meant to only last a few days until background screening and [...]
September 18, 2023

Join the 501 Alliance Community

Take advantage of 501 Alliance membership. Apply today.