Reopening Your Claim for Benefits

Do I have to completely fill out a new application?

No. If you recently had a claim, most of your information will populate. You need to make sure the information is still accurate and up to date. You will need information about your earnings and your employer.

How do I reopen my claim?

Reopen your claim online with MiWAM. Log into your MiWAM account.

A link will display under the Account Alerts section which says: "Additional Information Required - Click Here to File a UI Claim."
If you don't have the link, under the Claimant Services tab, click Submit Additional Information. You will then see the Reopen/Additional Claim Screen.
If you think you may have already started an additional or reopened claim, click the Submissions tab to see if you have started a reopened claim and have not yet submitted it.

View the step by step video guide to reopening an unemployment claim.

What if I want to change my payment method?

If you would like to change your payment method, login to your MiWAM account. Click the Claimant Services tab; then click Modify Benefit Payment Method.

Payment method must be UIA debit card or a personal checking or savings account. We do not recommend that you use CashApp, Greendot, Netspend or any other prepaid debit card. Using a non-traditional bank from outside of Michigan will cause additional steps to verify your identity.

What information do I need to reopen my claim?

Have your employer information ready when you file. This includes:

the dates you worked;
the names, phone numbers and addresses of your employer(s);
and your gross earnings from those employers.

When should I reopen my claim?

Reopen your claim during your first week of unemployment or reduced hours or wages.

Why do I need to reopen my claim?

If you return to work after filing your original claim, are separated from that employer and then wish to resume filing, you must reopen your claim. You cannot just begin certifying again. If you established a claim for benefits within the past year, then stopped filing those benefits, your claim was closed.

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Reopening Your Claim for Benefits