The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act covers Michigan employment discrimination.
Michigan’s civil rights law prohibits discrimination in employment, including in how benefits are offered.
The Basics for Employers.
A plain-English summary. This is general information, not legal advice, and the rules change, so check the current text.
Protected Classes
The law covers characteristics such as religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight and marital status.
Employer Size
It applies to Michigan employers of any size.
Benefits and Pay
Eligibility rules and contributions for benefits need to apply to people on the same terms.
How it plays out.
The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act is Michigan’s main law against discrimination in employment. It covers employers of any size and bars discrimination based on protected characteristics such as religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight and marital status. The list has been widened over time, including by a 2023 amendment.
Benefit design is one place where it can matter. A plan that treats groups of employees differently has to have a reason that holds up, and benefit eligibility rules should apply the same way to similar employees.
Michigan rules sit next to federal ones such as Title VII. Where both apply, the stricter one in a given case tends to drive the answer, so check both with counsel.
Where This Shows Up in Your Plan.
Caregiver Support, Sick Time and Paid Leave: Benefits That Work With Your Health Plan
How leave and sick-time policies fit alongside your health plan.
Employer Benefits Guides: Eligibility, Plan Design, Life Events and Rules
Eligibility, plan design and life-event rules in one place.
Reviewing eligibility.
List Eligibility Rules
Write down who qualifies for each benefit and why.
Check for Differences
Look for rules that treat groups differently.
Review Contributions
Confirm employer contributions follow consistent rules.
Ask Counsel
Get legal review before changing eligibility.
Mistakes to avoid.
Different Rules by Group
Unexplained differences invite claims.
Relying on Federal Law Only
State law can go further.
Informal Exceptions
One-off exceptions can look like unequal treatment.
Other Rules Employers Work With.
Michigan Earned Sick Time Act
MCL 408.961
COBRA Continuation Coverage
29 U.S.C. 1161
Laws and Rules Referenced
Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (MCL 37.2101) — The statute or rule text from its official or public source.
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