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FS 119 - Electronic Payment Options for Receiving Unemployment Benefits

FS 119 - Electronic Payment Options for Receiving Unemployment Benefits

Payment Options for Claimants

This Fact Sheet will explain the two payment method options available to receive unemployment benefit payments.

The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) offers two (2) options for receiving unemployment benefit payments.

  • Direct Deposit
  • Prepaid Debit Card
sample check

Direct Deposit

You can choose to have unemployment benefit payments electronically deposited into an existing personal checking or savings account with a U.S. financial institution.

To set up direct deposit, you will need:

  • Bank Routing Number
  • Your Bank Account Number

The sample check shows where these numbers are located on a person’s personal check.

Note: Online and digital bank accounts cannot be used.

Reliacard

Prepaid Debit Card

You can choose to have unemployment benefit payments issued on the U.S. Bank ReliaCard® a Visa® prepaid debit card operated by U.S. Bank.
To select the debit card, you must read all pre-acquisition disclosures before selecting the prepaid debit card option.

The debit card can be used to:

  • Make purchases, get cash and pay bills anywhere Visa® is accepted.
  • Get cash back with purchases at participating merchants or withdraw cash at ATMs, banks or credit unions. The amounts of purchases, bill payments or cash withdrawals are automatically deducted from the available balance on the card.

Note: Keep an eye on your mail! Your debit card will come in a plain white envelope.

Cardholder Support

Learn additional information about the features on your card at usbankreliacard.com or on the U.S. Bank Mobile App. You can find answers to questions such as:

  • Account balances
  • Recent transactions
  • Lost, stolen, or damaged cards
  • PIN change 

The ReliaCard is issued by U.S. Bank National Association pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. © 2021 U.S. Bank. Member FDIC

How to select your payment method

  • At time of filing: Select your payment method during the claim application process.
  • Change payment method: if you would like to change your payment method at any point during a claim, you can update your payment method:
    • Online: Log into your MiWAM account at Michigan.gov/UIA
    • By phone: Call 1-866-500-0017 and select option 2.

Additional information

  • Benefit payments will be deposited to your bank account or debit card 2-3 business days after certification if you are eligible and qualified.
  • If you have questions or issues with your direct deposit, contact your financial institution with questions.
  • If you have questions or issues with the U.S. Bank debit card, contact U.S. Bank customer service at 1-855-282-6161.

 

Fact Sheet 119: Electronic Payment Options

Updated July 2026