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.
Check out our new Claimant Roadmap - a step-by-step guide to applying for and understanding your 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 is the UIA's system for managing your own unemployment insurance account online. With MiWAM you can:
This booklet covers the basics on claiming unemployment benefits in Michigan, including eligibility, benefit rights and responsibilities, receiving payments and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn what causes an overpayment and what to do if you receive notice to pay restitution.
