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UNEMPLOYMENT
Filing for Unemployment Benefits
A claim for unemployment benefits begins the week it is filed. Workers should file their claim during their first week of unemployment. There are two ways to file a new claim or re-open an existing claim:
1. FASTEST AND PREFERRED METHOD: To file a claim online, visit www.michigan.gov/uia and sign into MILogin to access or create an account on the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM).
For step by step instructions on how to create an account, view the MiWAM Toolkit for Claimants.
2. File a claim by telephone, call 1-866-500-0017. If you are hearing impaired, TTY service is available at 1-866- 366-0004.
Register for Work
Beginning November 7, 2021, unemployed workers filing a new claim for benefits will be required to register for work with Michigan Works! and verify their registration with either an in person or virtual appointment.
To register for work, claimants must complete the following two steps:
First Step: Visit www.MiTalent.org to create a job seeker profile on the Pure Michigan Talent Connect (PMTC). This is required.
Second Step: Meet with staff from a local Michigan Works! Service Center either virtually OR in person at least one business day before the first certification.
In-Person Registration:
Virtual Registration:
Claimants will receive an email confirmation when registration is complete and verified. If claimants don't meet with Michigan Works! Service Center staff to verify their registration it could delay the payment of unemployment benefits.
UIA Training Waivers
Are you going to school or training and collecting unemployment benefits? To collect unemployment benefits, claimants are required to be available for and actively seeking full-time employment. The claimant can not refuse a job offer of suitable work due to their enrollment into school or training. However, the law states that if a claimant is making satisfactory progress in an approved vocational training program, they can continue to receive their benefits even though they are not available or seeking work.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for a Waiver of UI Eligibility:
Claimants in training requesting a waiver need to schedule and attend a Waiver of UI Eligibility appointment. During the appointment, Troy Michigan Works! will help claimants to complete the required waiver request forms. Claimants are required to supply specific information regarding their training during the session. Please review the Waiver of UI Eligibility Requirements and bring the required documentation on your appointment day to complete the Waiver of UI Eligibility forms.
Once the forms are complete, Troy Michigan Works! will forward your documents and request to the UIA. UIA will issue a written determination to the claimant stating the waiver has been granted or it has been denied and why. Instructions on how to certify bi-weekly to MARVIN while on a waiver will also be included.
Important !!! UI Waiver Forms can be submitted no earlier than 2-3 weeks prior to when the school semester begins.
Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)
RESEA provides for the early identification of those Unemployment Insurance claimants considered most likely to have an extended duration of unemployment or to exhaust their benefits before finding a job. Early intervention can help claimants find suitable employment before their unemployment insurance benefits are exhausted. RESEA focuses on claimants who will receive an unemployment insurance check within five weeks of filing. Claimants are selected by the Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Individuals selected for RESEA will receive a notification letter from UIA. The notification letter will include contact information for Michigan Works locations. The claimant must contact a local center to schedule a date and time to begin the process for RESEA requirements. If a claimant fails to report for the scheduled meeting, it may result in the loss of benefits.
Contact UIA
MARVIN: 1-866-638-3993
MARVIN is the UIA’s toll-free automated telephone system you call every other week to claim unemployment benefits.
Telephone Inquiries: 1-866-500-0017
If you have any questions, concerns, or issues in regards to your unemployment claim, you need to contact UIA. They are the only agency that has access to your claim and information.
UIA FAX: 1-517-636-0427
Claimants can fax required documents to UIA such as Fact Finding Forms and any additional documents that need to be submitted.Schedule An Appointment:
Schedule an appointment (in-person, phone, or virtual) to speak with a Customer Service Agent. Select the date, time, and type of appointment you would like to schedule. Local Unemployment offices are open for in-person service by appointment only. Walk-in appointments will not be accepted.Problem Resolution Office Locations:
Cadillac Place – 3024 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan 48202 (in the lobby)
Sterling Heights Office - 43015 Hayes Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48313
UIA Resources, Forms & Publications
Unemployment Insurance 101
UIA Employee Claim Tutorials
UIA MiLogin FAQ
MiWAM Toolkit for Claimants
Work Registration Requirement
Forms
Publications and Fact Sheets
Waiver of UI Eligibility Requirements