Michigan Man's Dog Qualifies For Unemployment Benefits

A Michigan man says one member of his “extended” family, his dog Ryder, has recently qualified to collect $360 each week for unemployment.

Michael Haddock, an attorney in Saugatuck, Michigan, posted photos to Facebook showing a letter he’d received from the State of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. The letter is addressed to “Michael Ryder,” with his dog just so happening to share the same name.

"I got a letter from the UIA on Saturday, my name is Michael, my dog is Ryder. I was surprised to see it, but I had a good laugh, actually," Haddock told WZZM-TV. Michigan is currently dealing with a large swath of fraudulent claims, with the UIA office saying that these types of fake claims are usually picked off before people can illegally collect.

“Not sure what he is going to do with the money, but it should be interesting. I knew he was clever, but he surprised me this time,” Haddock told the Detroit Free-Press.

The letter to “Michael Ryder” from Jan. 25 details the “Monetary Determination” made by the state government for the German Shepherd’s unemployment claim. The dog is set to receive $360 dollars every week should the canine choose to make the claim.

The Michigan UIA office has since sent Haddock a letter to the same address denying the claim for Ryder's good-boy benefits. An agency investigator looking into the claim told WZZM-TV that they had a good laugh but that such fake names and applications for benefits are rampant.

"Unfortunately, Michael Ryder’s claim will not be allowed. I know first-hand it is rare for 'man’s best friend' to contribute financially to the household and that will continue in this instance," said Tim Kolar, State Administrator of Investigations, UIA.