DECEMBER 18, 2008 - Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) will have its toll-free phone lines open for six days over the upcoming two-week holiday period to take unemployment claims, while its online system will accept claims at just about any time during the holidays.
Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Director Stephen M. Geskey advised workers that the agency's toll-free telephone system for taking new applications for unemployment benefits will be available for three days during Christmas week and three days during New Year's week.
"Our toll-free phone line - 1-866-500-0017 - will be open on Christmas week -- Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23, and on Friday, December 26. On New Year's week, the phone system will be open on Monday and Tuesday, December 29 and 30, and on Friday, January 2, 2009," Geskey said. "During these six days, the system will accept claims for unemployment benefits by phone from unemployed workers at any time between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. During the two-week holiday period, we will not be using our normal call-in schedule, which instructs unemployed individuals to file on days and times based on their Social Security numbers.
"However, because of the heavy call volumes, our phone system is experiencing now, we encourage workers, if at all possible, to file their claims online at the agency's website - www.michigan.gov/uia," Geskey advised.
Unemployed workers can file online at UIA's website throughout holiday period at anytime from 7:00 a.m. Monday through 7:00 p.m. Saturday (Eastern Time).
"For those who have already filed for unemployment benefits, our automated MARVIN system will also continue its normal hours throughout the holidays," Geskey said. "MARVIN will be open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m."
Those with unemployment claims must call MARVIN once every two weeks to certify about their continuing eligibility for jobless benefits.
Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.
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