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Fact Sheet 165E - Seasonal Employers

Fact Sheet 165E - Seasonal Employers

Seasonal Employers

Information about applying for seasonal status with the Unemployment Insurance Agency.

What is a seasonal employer?

An employer is seasonal if:

  • The employer operates for 26 weeks or less in a 52-week period.
  • The employer applied for seasonal status with the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).
  • UIA approved the employer’s request for seasonal status.
Seasonal status does not apply to the construction industry.

Submit the Application

Complete Application for Seasonal Status (UIA Form 1155).

Application must be received by UIA at least 20 days before the start of your seasonal period.

Online: Go to Michigan.gov/UIA

  • Sign into your MiWAM portal.
  • Under Account Services, click on Seasonal Application.
 OR

UIA website: Go to Michigan.gov/UIA

  • Scroll down to Tools & Resources
  • Search for UIA 1155. Download and complete.

How will I be notified?

Your application will be reviewed, and you will be sent Determination of Seasonal Status (UIA Form 1165). If approved, you will also receive the Notice of Employer’s Seasonal Status (UIA Form 1156).

Next Steps:

  1. Post the following in a place for all workers to see.
    • Application for Seasonal Status (UIA Form 1155)
    • Determination of Seasonal Status (UIA Form 1165)
    • Notice of Employer’s Seasonal Status (UIA Form 1156)
  2. Written notice must be given to employees informing them of the following:
    • They are employed by a seasonal business
    • The normal season start and end dates.
    • Being a “seasonal worker” may cause them to be denied unemployment benefits.
  3. Provide reasonable assurance. During the period of the normal season give “reasonable assurance” that they will be hired back.
“Reasonable assurance” is the employer’s honest belief that they will bring the worker back to work in the next season in the same job they previously performed, or in a job that is like the job, location, wages, and benefits they previously had.

 

Fact Sheet 165E: Seasonal Employer

Updated July 2026