Common Mistakes and Helpful Tips

• When you initially file your claim for benefits, accurately report your dates of employment and separation reason for each employer listed that you have worked for in the last 18 months.
• Some people are confused about the terms laid off, fired, leave of absence, and quit. It is important to provide the Agency with the precise reason for your separation so that we can best assist you and help you to avoid fraud.

• Proofread your new claim application before submitting it. Be sure to verify that the name, address, phone number, birth date and Driver license/State ID number is correct
• When choosing direct deposit as the method to receive benefit payments, be sure to enter the correct routing and bank account number.
• Be sure to provide accurate separation reason and separation date.
• Include your employment history for the last 18 months, Include all employers, not just the most recent one.

• To qualify for benefits, you must be able, available, and willing to accept suitable work. Possible conflicts like attending school during work hours, limitations with childcare, being ill or hurt could limit your work availability and affect your eligibility for benefits.
• If you are on a temporary layoff from a job, and you do not have a work search waiver, you must report that you are able and available to work.

• To qualify for benefits you must register for work by creating a profile on MITalent.org and meeting with staff from your local Michigan Works! service center, either virtually or in person.

• You must report your gross wages (the wages before taxes are taken out) for each week you work and certify for benefits, even if you do not receive the payment until later. You must report all earnings from any employer; including part-time or temporary work, severance pay, bonus pay, sick pay, holiday pay and vacation pay.

• Claimants must certify according to a Monday – Wednesday schedule based on their Social Security Number. If missed, make up days for the week are Thursdays and Fridays.

• If you waive weeks (stop your claim for more than two weeks), you need to reopen your claim online before you certify again. 

Steps to Reopen your UI Claim