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Fact Sheet 128 - Waiver of UI Eligibility Requirements for Those in Approved Training

School/Training Waiver

What you need to know about the school/training waiver and its requirements.

How does attending school or training affect my unemployment benefits?

In general, an unemployed worker must:

  • Be available for full-time work,
  • Seek suitable full-time work for each week that is claimed,
  • Accept offers of suitable full-time work.

If you are attending school or training, you may not meet these requirements which could prevent you from receiving unemployment benefits.

What is a school/training waiver?

It is important for many unemployed workers to be retrained.

If a worker is making satisfactory progress in an approved school or training program, the requirements above can be waived so that the worker can continue to receive unemployment benefits.

How do I request a school/training waiver?

  1. Go to a MiWorks! Agency (MWA) and ask a staff member about the School/Training waiver.
  2. If your program is eligible for a waiver, MWA will help you complete the waiver request formand submit it to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) for review.
  3. UIA will review the request. You will receive a Notice of Determination (UIA Form 1302) letting you know if you were approved.

I was approved for a school/training waiver. What do I do next?

  1. Complete Weekly Certifications: If you do not certify on time each week, your benefits maybe delayed or stopped.
  2. Submit Certificate of School/Training Waiver (UIA Form 1680)
    • Follow the instructions on the form for submission.
    • The UIA must receive this form within 30 calendar days from the completion date of yourtraining or semester.
    • If you do not return this form as required you may have to repay benefits, penalties, and interest.
    • Don’t forget to include a copy of proof that you completed the training. Examples of proof of completion include:
      • Transcript
      • Certification of Completions
      • Letter from the school
      • Graduation Certificate
      • Record of grades

For further information

For general information about how to apply for training and the eligibility waiver, call Michigan Works! toll-free at 1-800-285-9675.

To ask about claiming unemployment benefits while in training, call the UIA customer service line at 1-866-500-0017.

Fact Sheet 128: Waiver of UI Eligibility Requirements in Approved Training

Updated July 2026