Information for federal workers impacted by terminations
Federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs could be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. This page provides resources to help potential claimants through the claim application, job search processes, and community-based resources.
Six things to know before filing for benefits
- Have your SF-8, Notice to Federal Employee About Unemployment Insurance, and SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, available to assist in filing your claim. If you have not received your SF-8 and/or SF-50, you can still begin the process to file for unemployment benefits.
- You and federal employer will receive a request to submit quarterly wage information. Form UCFE 935 will be sent to you through your preferred method of contact. When responding to the UCFE 935, please make sure to provide accurate quarterly wage information for the wages you earned prior to filing for benefits. If you have filed your claim but did not receive UCFE 935 within 10 days of your new claim, contact UIA.
- Be sure to have pay records (check stubs, W2) and know your federal identification code. When filing a claim that includes a federal employer, the employer needs to be manually added to the claim: Click Add Employer link, select the option for Federal Government, then include the federal identification code. Find your ID code here.
- Apply for unemployment insurance benefits in the jurisdiction of your duty station, which can be found on your SF-50. For example, if you are a Michigander who is laid off from a federal job based in another state, you should apply for benefits in that state, not in Michigan.
- Military personnel cannot file for unemployment benefits until officially released from military service. Have your DD214 Service Copy (Orders of Assignment, Orders of Release) handy when you apply. If you have military service in the 18 months prior to your claim, you will need to provide proof of your military service. Mail a copy of your DD 214 (Member 2, 4, or 6) to Unemployment Insurance Agency PO BOX 169, Grand Rapids, MI, 49501-0169 or fax a copy to 517-636-0427. You can also log into MIWAM and attach a copy from the Notices tab.
- If your separation was for reason(s) other than a lay off/lack of work, your claim will go through additional investigation that can impact your benefit payments. Respond to all requests from UIA for information by the stated deadline. If submitting supporting documents, send copies, not originals. UIA is not able to return original documentation to you.
Note: Under the U.S. Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, if furloughed federal workers receive back pay for the time they were off due to a government shutdown they will need to repay unemployment benefits they received.
Do you meet these criteria?
Federal civilian employees impacted by terminations can apply for Michigan unemployment insurance benefits if:
- Your last official duty station was in Michigan, or,
- You are a Michigan resident, and your last official duty station was outside of the United States; or,
- You are a Michigan resident, separated from federal employment, and then has subsequently worked in non-federal employment in Michigan.
Find more information on the Claimant Homepage
