Detroit unemployment office reopens featuring an improved user experience

Renovations are now complete at 5 Local Offices across the state

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency’s (UIA) Local Office in Detroit reopened to the public today following extensive renovations to create a more welcoming, secure, and efficient experience for Michiganders who need help with jobless claims.

The Detroit Local Office, on the first floor at Cadillac Place, 3024 W. Grand Blvd., in the New Center area, is the busiest of UIA’s 12 Local Offices. Workers can schedule in-person appointments up to 14 days in advance by going to the Schedule an Appointment page at Michigan.gov/UIA. 

“The changes we made were critical to improving privacy, security, and efficiency for people we serve face-to-face every day,” said UIA Director Jason Palmer. “The changes are part of UIA’s priority to improve the customer experience and transform the agency into a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service. That transformation includes replacing our current, outdated computer system with one that is user-friendly and which incorporates robust anti-fraud practices.”

Detroit was one of five Local Offices across Michigan that UIA has renovated over the past two years, with work having been completed at the Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, and Sterling Heights locations. UIA also has Local Offices in Benton Harbor, Gaylord, Kalamazoo, Marquette, Muskegon, Sault Ste. Marie, and Traverse City.

Besides Local Office appointments, workers can also reach UIA through the Chat with an Agent feature in the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) or by calling Customer Service at 1-866-500-0017 Monday through Friday.

Helpful resources for workers

Workers can access these online resources at any time:

• The UIA Claimant Roadmap, a six-step, user-friendly guide to applying for and understanding benefits. Access the roadmap at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap.
• Online Coaching Sessions, which are web-based group sessions led by UIA staff on topics such as repaying overpaid benefits, filing a first-time claim, understanding a Monetary Determination letter, the protest and appeals process, and seeking work and registration requirements. The First-time Filer Coaching Session is also available in Spanish.
• A chatbot that leverages artificial intelligence is available 24 hours a day every day at Michigan.gov/UIA. Workers and employers can use either a desktop or mobile device to access the chatbot for quick and accurate responses to general questions about unemployment.
• Frequently asked questions, toolkits, and resources at Michigan.gov/UIA for information about unemployment processes and requirements.
• A library of helpful instructional videos on YouTube.
• MiUI University, to learn more about UIA’s upcoming new, modern MiUI computer system available to all users in Summer 2026. MiUI will be easy to use, speed claims processing, and build on the agency’s aggressive anti-fraud tactics. It also will include plain language forms and correspondence for easier understanding of what’s expected throughout the unemployment process.
• The UIA Economic Dashboard, which tracks local and statewide trends in unemployment insurance at Michigan.gov/UIAEconomicDashboard.
• The Advocacy Program, which provides free legal help when appealing UIA redeterminations.
• A comprehensive webpage for federal workers who have been terminated includes helpful tips about filing for unemployment as well as links to community resources at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.

Need help with a claim or have questions?

Meet with us: Schedule an in-person, phone, or virtual meeting at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Chat with us: Available through MiWAM Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Ask online: UIA’s chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA can answer many questions.

Search online: FAQs, videos, toolkits, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Talk with us: 1-866-500-0017, Monday through Friday. TTY service is available at 1-866-366-0004.