Streamlined appeals, expanded access to waivers among key changes in Michigan’s unemployment law

Other updates include increased work search requirement

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is urging workers and employers to become familiar with two key updates to Michigan’s unemployment law that will benefit those filing appeals or requesting a financial hardship waiver.

New provisions:

• Allow workers and employers to request combining multiple cases into a single hearing, reducing the need to attend separate hearings. This also will reduce delays that could impact benefit payments or employer operations and add efficiency to the appeal process.
• Increase the frequency an individual can request a financial hardship waiver to avoid paying restitution, providing more options for relief from having to repay benefits.

These changes and others that took effect in July — an increase in work search activities, a domestic violence voluntary quit exception, and modifications to the Work Share program — will move Michigan’s unemployment system toward a more modern approach that reflects the realities Michiganders face today.

Consolidating appeals

Workers and employers who have more than one case pending review on the same claim can now request all matters be consolidated for resolution at one hearing before an administrative law judge with the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR).

A request to have issues combined into one hearing can be made online when an appeal is filed or sent by mail or fax:

• Workers collecting benefits can request consolidation through their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account. Employers can file their request using either their MiWAM or MiUI unemployment accounts.
• To mail or fax a request to combine appeals, use the downloadable form found under Step 1, Review the Protest/Appeal Process on the Protests and Appeals webpage at Michigan.gov/UIA. The page includes the address to mail the request and number to fax the form.

Financial hardship waivers

Anyone facing repayment of benefits they were not eligible to receive now can submit up to four hardship waiver applications per calendar year. Currently, an application can be submitted only once every six months.

The law change now excludes from calculations to determine eligibility for a hardship waiver any social welfare or unemployment benefits. The law also now states that cash assets count toward a waiver decision only if someone has more than $100,000 in a checking or savings account not including wages they earned in the six months before applying for a waiver.

Other changes to unemployment law

Workers and employers should also be aware of these other changes that went into effect in July:

• People who receive unemployment benefits must report at least three work search activities each week, an increase from one a week currently. The fastest and easiest way to log work searches — which is part of the requirement to certify for benefits every two weeks — is through your online MiWAM account. Learn more about work search at Michigan.gov/UIA.
• Those who left their job due to domestic violence may qualify for unemployment benefits if they also meet all other eligibility requirements, ensuring survivors have access to critical financial support when seeking safety. Learn more about this provision at the Leaving Work for Safety page at Michigan.gov/UIA.
• Employers using the Work Share program can reduce employee hours from 10 percent to 60 percent, expanding the current range of 15 percent to 45 percent. Work Share allows employers to retain their skilled, trained employees, and workers can collect partial unemployment benefits to make up for lost wages. Employers can find out more about the Work Share Program at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Additional information and related resources about all the law updates can be found at Michigan.gov/UIALawChanges.

The changes are part of a bipartisan legislative package passed in December 2024 and signed into law by Governor Gretchen Whitmer designed to continue the transformation of Michigan’s unemployment insurance program into a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service.

Companion bipartisan legislation also passed in December 2024 increased the maximum weeks of benefits from 20 to 26 and set the maximum weekly benefit rate to the current $530. It will increase to $614 on Jan. 1, 2027. Beginning in January 2028, any change in the maximum weekly benefit rate will be tied to the federal Consumer Price Index.

Helpful resources for workers and employers

UIA’s many helpful online resources for navigating the unemployment landscape are part of the agency’s commitment to being a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service:

• UIA Claimant Roadmap. An easy-to-follow six-step guide to applying for and understanding benefits. Find it at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap.
• Online Coaching Sessions, which are web-based group sessions led by UIA staff on topics such as 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.
• Language Assistance Services provide free support in Spanish, Arabic, Albanian, Bengali, and Chinese to increase understanding of the services and information UIA provides.
• The Advocacy Program, which provides free legal help for unemployed workers and employers who appeal UIA redeterminations.
• Phone, virtual, or in-person appointments that can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance at Michigan.gov/UIA.
• Answers to frequently asked questions, toolkits, detailed information, and other resources for workers and employers can be found at Michigan.gov/UIA. Helpful instructional and informational videos are posted on YouTube.
• MiUI University, to learn more about UIA’s new, modern MiUI user platform. 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 next steps.
• A comprehensive list of resources for federal workers who have been laid off or terminated at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.
• Performance Dashboards. Interactive tools provide a deep dive into underlying data and trends in unemployment insurance in Michigan as well as core metrics that measure UIA’s success.
• UIA Modernization Workgroup. A coalition of thought leaders from the labor, business, and jobless advocate communities that provides insight into how the agency can better serve Michigan’s workers and employers.
• Employer Help Center. This plain language guide answers employers’ questions about unemployment tax, claim issues, and UIA programs. The Help Center can be found at Michigan.gov/UIAEmployerHelpCenter.
• 2025 Annual Report. Data-driven insights into UIA’s initiatives to improve the unemployment experience for workers and employers across Michigan.

Need help with a claim or have questions?

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.

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

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

Talk with us: Claimant Customer Service — 1-866-500-0017, Monday through Friday. For TTY service, call 1-866-366-0004. Office of Employer Ombudsman — 1-855-484-2636, Option 4, Monday through Friday.