Claimant Roadmap

6 steps to help you apply for and understand your benefits

Step 1

Prepare to apply

To submit your application, you'll need the following information:

Personal information
- Driver's license or state ID card
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit payment (if you don't have a bank account, other payment options will be available)
- For non-citizens: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) number and the expiration date of your authorization card
Employer information for each employer in the last 18 months
This information can be found on your pay stub or W2
- Corporation name and address (this might be different from the business name and address)
- EIN / FEIN (your employer's tax ID number. It is nine digits formatted like this: XX-XXXXXXX)
Employment history
- First and last day worked (for each employer in the last 18 months)
- Pay rate & frequency (how often you were paid, and how much you typically made - including tips and bonuses)
- Separation reason (the reason your employer provided for your job separation or reduced hours)

Step 2

Submit your application

Online:

To submit an application online you must have a MiLogin account.

MiLogin is the online account you use for Michigan services, like the Secretary of State and MiBridges. To avoid delays, check for an existing account before creating a new one.
Log in to the MiWAM portal using your MiLogin username and password.
Complete your application through MiWAM.

By phone:

Call 1-866-500-0017 Monday-Friday, during normal business hours.

Step 3

Review your Monetary Determination Letter

After reviewing your application, UIA sends you a Monetary Determination Letter. This letter states whether you meet the minimum requirements for benefits, and outlines any benefits you may be eligible for.

If you meet the minimum requirements, UIA may still need to investigate your claim. If no investigation is needed, you will receive payments.
If UIA determines that you do not meet the requirements, they will not proceed with your claim. You can dispute this determination by filing a protest.

Step 4

To receive benefits, you must register and search for work.

To register for work, you must:

Use your MiLogin account to create your job seeker profile with Pure Michigan Talent Connect.
Meet with staff from your local Michigan Works! office to verify your profile. This can be done virtually or in person.

When actively searching for work, you must:

Complete one valid work search activity for each week you want to receive benefits.

If you plan to dispute a determination you received from UIA, you must still register for work.

Step 5

Update your information every 2 weeks

Every 2 weeks, you must inform UIA if you meet the requirements for receiving benefits through a process called "certification".

When certifying, you'll confirm that:

You're actively searching for work.
You're available to work the same shifts, days, and times you previously worked.
You're able to work jobs you're trained in or have done previously.

These are just some of the requirements. You'll only receive benefit payments for weeks in which you meet all requirements and certify on time.

You can certify:

Online: Log in to MiWAM and follow instructions for certification.

By phone: Call MARVIN at 1-866-638-3993 during your assigned call-in time.

Step 6

Check for updates from UIA

You might receive the following notices from UIA:

"Request for Information": You'll receive this if there's an issue with your claim. You'll need to submit additional information and documentation within 10 calendar days.
"Notice of Determination": You'll receive this notice once UIA reviews your response to the "Request for Information". This letter states whether you'll receive benefit payments or not. If you disagree with the determination, you can file a protest within 30 calendar days. Learn more about filing a protest.

Issues found with your claim may be investigated for up to three years after your claim is filed. Keep your contact information with UIA updated, as UIA may need to reach out to you after your benefits end.

Need Help?

For additional unemployment resources, visit our claimant resource page.

Chat with a UIA Agent

Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

Call Customer Service

1-866-500-0017

Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Schedule an Appointment

Phone, virtual, and in-person appointments are available.

Other Assistance

If you aren't eligible for unemployment benefits, you may qualify for other benefits.

Visit Michigan's assistance programs or call 2-1-1 for more information.

Last 2 Digits of SSN	Weekday	Time
00-15	Mon	8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
16-33	Mon	12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
34-48	Tue	8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
49-66	Tue	12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
67-81	Wed	8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
82-99	Wed	12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Makeup	Thu	8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Makeup	Fri	8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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