Michigan Employer Advisor: November 2024

Seeking Work Waiver Has Benefits for Michigan Employers and Workers

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) offers a seeking work waiver to certain unemployed individuals who are temporarily laid off. The waiver provides an option for those who qualify to receive benefits without meeting the typical requirements of searching for new employment.

The seeking work waiver is a helpful tool for Michigan employers facing temporary layoffs. It allows employees to maintain financial stability while waiting to return to their jobs. The waiver is a valuable resource while staying compliant with Michigan’s unemployment guidelines.

Employers must file the waiver request with UIA before the layoff, at least a week prior to the last day worked.

The benefit of the waiver to employees is it allows them to collect benefits during a short-term layoff without being required to register and seek work. The eligibility criteria are for temporary layoffs due to a lack of work. 

Here are the steps an employer needs to follow to apply for a waiver:

1. Log into MiWAM.
2. Select UIA Tax under the Account tab.
3. Select Account Services.
4. Under Benefits Services select Request Seeking Work Waiver.

If the end of the 45-day waiver period is approaching and an employer is not ready to bring their workers back, the employer can apply for an extension.

The initial request for extension is for an additional 45 days. The request must be submitted before the original waiver expires. The extension can be submitted on the 44th or 45th day from the date of the original layoff.

The waiver can be extended twice, giving the option to have workers eligible for a registration and seeking work waiver for up to 135 days. State law allows only two extensions for situations such as equipment retooling, a parts shortage, or temporary production volume adjustments.

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Here’s How to File a Protest of an Employee’s Claim Determination

When an individual files a claim for unemployment insurance benefits, the first document an employer receives is a UIA 1575 E Monetary Determination and Request for Information.

The Monetary Determination provides information to the employer with facts concerning the claim in which the business is an interested party. The Monetary Determination and Request of Information, among other things, details the individual’s weekly benefit amount, separation reason, and total potential charges to the employer account.

If an employer has any concerns or disagreements with the claim, they are encouraged to submit a protest. The protest provides the employer the opportunity to defend their concern and disagreement to the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

To submit a claim protest via MIWAM:

1. Click UI Tax on the home screen.
2. Click the Account Services tab.
3. Scroll down to Benefit Services.
4. Click on View Determinations and Decisions.
5. Locate the claim document and click the File Protest link.
6. Complete the protest information, review, and submit. 

A protest submitted by the date listed in the first paragraph of the 1575 E document will prevent the claim from going into pay status. The protest must be received within 30 days of the mail date, or the determination becomes final.

The best way to submit a protest is through MiWAM. However, protests can be submitted in writing, as well.

Start at UIA’s website, Michigan.gov/UIA by clicking the magnifying glass in the upper right-hand corner to get to the search bar. In the search field, type UIA 1733 Protest of a Determination. Click on the link to get to the form, which can be downloaded and printed.

It’s extremely important that the form is signed before sending it to UIA.

Mail the completed form and supporting documents to the Unemployment Insurance Agency, P.O Box 124, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0124 or fax it to 1-517-636-0427.  

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What We Know So Far: MiUI Review

Over the past six months, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has shared important information and updates regarding its upcoming new computer system, known as MiUI.

Below is a summary of topics shared in earlier Employer Advisor newsletters to help employers, third party administrators (TPAs) and others be informed about this transition.

MiUI will replace the current, decade-old Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) system. This modernization effort aims to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and user experience for employers, TPAs, and claimants.

Tax-specific functionalities will be first part of MiUI to launch.

Key Features and Benefits

Here are some of the changes and benefits in MiUI:

• Enhanced Wage Submission: MiUI will allow manual wage entry, copying reports from previous quarters, and will support multiple file formats (XML, ICESA, EFW2, Delimited), providing greater flexibility.
• Employer Registration: Employers will have a standardized timeline of 2-4 weeks to submit required documentation during registration, ensuring up-to-date and accurate data.
• User-Friendly Design: MiUI will prioritize efficient workflows and an intuitive user interface.

Preparation and Transition

To prepare for a smooth transition to MiUI, employers and TPAs are advised to take a few simple steps:

• Confirm/Update Contact Information: Employers should ensure their contact details in MiWAM are current, including email addresses and physical/legal addresses. For a step-by-step guide on how to update your contact information in MiWAM, watch this short How-To video.
• Designate Correct TPAs: Verify that the correct TPA is designated in MiWAM to receive timely updates.
• Internal Communication: Inform relevant departments (IT, Accounting, HR) about the upcoming changes and that more information will be released as the system is developed.

What's Next?

Additional information will be provided to help assist in the transition. By proactively preparing and staying engaged, employers and TPAs can ensure a smooth transition to the new MiUI system, which promises to modernize and improve the unemployment insurance experience in Michigan.

The introduction of MiUI is not just a change, but a step forward toward a more efficient and flexible future.