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UIA Resources for Claimants

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UIA Resources for Claimants

There are specific rules and regulations for claiming unemployment (UI) benefits. We can help you understand these requirements and help you prepare to apply. Learn more about claiming unemployment benefits by clicking the links below.

Information that you provide to the Unemployment Insurance Agency may be subject to disclosure in accordance with federal and state law requirements.

UIA Claimant Roadmap

Check out our new Claimant Roadmap - a step-by-step guide to applying for and understanding your benefits.

Claimant Roadmap
What Claimants Need to Know About the New Unemployment Insurance Law Video

What Claimants Need to Know About the New Unemployment Insurance Law

This short video walks workers through the new unemployment insurance law. 
FAQ on the new unemployment insurance law
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Apply for Benefits

Apply for unemployment benefits online using the Michigan Web Account Manager. MiWAM is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

You must create a MiLogin account before you can create or access your MiWAM account. Visit the MiLogin page for more information.

Review the MiWAM Toolkit for Claimants for step-by-step instructions.

MiWAM
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Certify or Manage Your Claim

MiWAM is the UIA's system for managing your own unemployment insurance account online. With MiWAM you can:

  • Check claim balance and benefit payment history.
  • Update personal information.
  • Choose or change payment method (debit card or direct deposit).
  • Make a payment.
  • File a protest or appeal a decision.
  • Submit monthly work search information.
MiWAM
claimant handbook cover

Handbook for Unemployed Workers

This booklet covers the basics on claiming unemployment benefits in Michigan, including eligibility, benefit rights and responsibilities, receiving payments and more.

UIA 1901
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Saunders Settlement Agreement

The State of Michigan has reached a $55 million preliminary settlement in the Saunders v Unemployment Ins. Agency et al class action lawsuit with workers who believe they were wrongly asked to repay pandemic-era unemployment benefits before a protest or appeal was resolved.

Information about the agreement, joining the settlement

Work Search

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Register for Work

Unemployed workers filing a new claim for benefits are required to register for work with Michigan Works! staff and verify their registration with either an in person or virtual appointment.

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Work Search

Claimants receiving unemployment benefits are required to actively search for work and report at least one work search activity for each week they claim benefits.

Construction workers

Work Search Waivers

If you are on a temporary layoff from a full-time job (between 45 and 120 days from your last day worked), you may not have to register for work to receive unemployment benefits.

Report fraud

UI Fraud is a crime, and it affects everyone. It drives up unemployment taxes for businesses, it affects people with legitimate unemployment benefit claims, and it puts a strain on the state's unemployment trust fund. Detecting and prosecuting cases involving unemployment fraud is a priority for Michigan’s UI program. Claims are audited regularly to ensure benefits were properly paid according to state and federal law. It is against state law to intentionally make false statements or conceal material information to gain or avoid the payment of benefits.

Report Fraud

What is Fraud?

Overpayment and Restitution

Learn what causes an overpayment and what to do if you receive notice to pay restitution.

PUA Overpayment and Restitution

Other Resources

Advocacy Program

The Advocacy Program offers no-cost assistance to those who request services for initial hearings with the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR) and the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission (UIAC).

Protests and Appeals

If you are found to be disqualified or ineligible, and you disagree with the decision, you have the right to protest a determination or appeal a redetermination.

UIA Community Connect

The Community Connect team would like to thank its community partners in all 83 counties in Michigan for their support and partnership that have made this innovative, grant-funded program a success.

MiLogin and MiWAM Help Center

Learn about MiLogin and MiWAM. Get help with common problems like registration or a forgotten password.