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Fact Sheet 160 - Claiming Unemployment Benefits in Michigan

Fact Sheet 160 - Claiming Unemployment Benefits in Michigan

Claiming Unemployment Benefits

Apply for and understand your unemployment benefits.

What is unemployment and can I apply?

  • Unemployment is temporary income to help you while you look for a new job if you become unemployed or your employer reduces your hours.
  • Unemployment benefits are paid for by taxes on employers.
  • Unemployment is complex and not one-size fits-all. The best way to see if you’re eligible is to apply.
  • You must be able to, be available for, and actively seeking full-time work to receive unemployment benefits.

You’ll need the following information to apply for benefits.

  • Driver’s license or state ID card and your Social Security number.
  • For non-citizens: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) number and expiration date of your authorization card.
  • Information for all employers you have worked for in the last 18 months:
    • Employer’s name and address,
    • First and last date worked for each employer,
    • Pay rate & frequency of pay,
    • Separation information.
  • Bank account and routing number if you choose direct deposit as your payment choice:
    • Online and digital bank accounts cannot be used.
    • You can also choose to receive a debit card from UIA.
  • Other useful information (not required):
    • FEIN or EAN for your employers.
    • Recent check-stubs or W2 tax form.

Submit Your Application

Online: Available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

 OR

Phone: Available Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Call 1-866-500-0017

MiLogin is the online account you use for Michigan services such as the Secretary of State and MiBridges. To avoid delays, check if you have an existing account before creating a new one.

Next Steps:

  1. Register for work: You must register at Michigan Works! by completing this two-step process before your first certification. Don’t wait! Not completing both steps could stop you from receiving benefits.
    • First, create a job seeker account at MiTalent.org.
    • Second, meet in person with an agent from Michigan Works. Find a Michigan works office near you at MichiganWorks.org. You can also ask if virtual options are available.
  2. Complete Bi-Weekly Certifications: If you do not certify on time every 2 weeks, your benefits may be delayed or stopped. You can certify:
    • Online: Log in to MiWAM and follow instructions for certification.
    • By phone: Call 1-866-638-3993 during your assigned call-in time.
  3. Complete work search: You must complete three valid work search activities for each week you want to receive benefits and report it during your certification.
    • You will be asked to provide documented proof of your activities.
    • To find out more about what counts as a valid work search activity, go to Michigan.gov/UIA and search “Work Search Activities List”.
  4. Stay up to date!
    • Update your contact information.
      • If your address, telephone number, or name changes, it is important to update us with your new information.
      • We can investigate a benefit payment up to 3 years after the payment is made and must be able to contact you if needed.
    • Check MiWAM regularly.
    • Respond to questions quickly: You may receive communications by mail, online or by phone requesting additional information about your claim.
    • Respond by the due date provided in the communication. Failure to respond on time may result in the delay or denial of your benefits.

 

Fact Sheet 160: Claiming Unemployment Benefits Español | عربي | বাঙালি | 中文

Updated July 2026