How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits – Information and Resources

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Click here to visit michigan.gov/UIA for the latest from Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA)

Unemployment Benefits Expanded – learn more

If you become unemployed, you may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. These benefits are intended to provide temporary income as you seek new employment. To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must be unemployed and able to, available for, and actively seeking suitable full-time work.

Apply for Unemployment Benefits - Online or Phone

To help Michiganders receive unemployment benefits as a result of COVID-19, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has developed a schedule for workers to file for benefits based on the first letter of their last name. If you have access to a computer and internet you should apply online. This will free up the phone lines for people who do not have a computer or who have questions.

NEW FILING SCHEDULE

Online Filing Schedule – Michigan.gov/UIA. (Workers are encouraged to go online during off-peak times between 8 p.m. – 8 a.m.)

  • Last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to file claims on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays.
  • Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
  • Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window. 

Call Center Filing Schedule – 866.500.0017:

  • Last names beginning with letters A-L are asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Last names beginning with letters M-Z are asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Fridays between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays between 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. are open for anyone who could not file during their allotted days.

The Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) is the UIA’s system for filing your unemployment insurance claim and managing your UIA account online. MiWAM makes doing business with the UIA simpler, faster and more efficient. Use the links below to APPLY for unemployment benefits and access useful information. 

for employees (MiWAM For Claimants)
for employers (MiWAM For Employers)
unemployment FAQs for employees
UNEMPLOYMENT FAQS FOR EMPLOYERS

Toolkit for claimants

Step by step instructions on how to file for unemployment benefits. DOWNLOAD this free resource.

Filing Process

The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has created a playlist of videos to help with each step of the filing process. This is especially helpful if you are a first-time filer. Take a moment to review before filing. NOTE: These are not COVID-19 specific videos and were produced before the outbreak. Refer to the FILING SCHEDULE above to find the days/times for filing.

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