Using unofficial UIA documents could delay receiving benefits
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) urges claimants to only use official documents when filing for benefits in-person or online. Avoid using forms found on non-UIA websites or social media. Using a fraudulent or unofficial form could result in a delay or denial of benefits.
To ensure documentation is accurate and legitimate, only trust documents received through your Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account, downloaded from UIA’s website, sent by mail from UIA, or provided by staff at a UIA Local Office.
Claimants should not use documents from sites other than the UIA website. Inaccurate information has been found on message boards and in social media groups. Several unofficial websites even charge for fraudulent forms.
All forms claimants need can be obtained for free from the UIA.
“Fighting unemployment insurance fraud is not just about protecting money and resources,” UIA Director Jason Palmer said. “It’s equally important to make sure Michiganders and employers are aware of the free and accurate benefits information from the UIA through its website at Michigan.gov/UIA and the MiWAM portal.”
Examples of official documentation requested of claimants by UIA include information to confirm ongoing eligibility or verify identity. Using unofficial documents to respond to these and other questions from UIA could have an adverse impact on receiving benefits.
Tips to make the filing process go smoothly
Key points to remember when filing a claim or seeking information about other unemployment-related issues:
- Only use official UIA documents: Avoid downloading and filling out any forms found on websites, social media channels, message boards, or any other online platforms that claim to be from the State of Michigan or UIA. The UIA will send you forms in the mail that can be found on the UIA website and in your online MiWAM account.
- If you need help filing a claim, review the Claimant Roadmap posted at Michigan.gov/UIA., contact a UIA staff member, or visit a Local Office.
- Protect yourself from unemployment insurance fraud: Visit these UIA online resources:
- Be alert for suspicious activity: You can report fraudulent activity related to unemployment, such as identity theft, by visiting the UIA’s fraud website. You can also contact the Michigan Department of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau at Michigan.gov/ConsumerProtection.
Innovative resources for Michigan’s workers
Workers applying for unemployment can access a number of innovative UIA resources that can help them throughout the filing and certification process.
- Sign up for one of the 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 session is also available in Spanish.
- Federal workers who have recently been terminated from their jobs can visit Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp for resources to help in filing for unemployment benefits, searching for a new job, or community aid programs.
- The UIA Community Connect program bases liaisons across Michigan to provide hands-on help for workers navigating the unemployment insurance application process. Over the past year, liaisons have attended more than 900 events to assist people in 78 of Michigan’s 83 counties
- Phone, virtual, or in-person appointments can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance at Michigan.gov/UIA.
- Answers to frequently asked questions, toolkits, and resources can be found at Michigan.gov/UIA. Find a library of helpful instructional videos on YouTube.
- The Advocacy Program with six additional topical experts who can provide free legal help to workers and employers with appeals of UIA redeterminations.
- Renovations at UIA Local Offices in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, and Sterling Heights to create an improved user experience and make security upgrades.
- Track local and statewide trends in unemployment insurance using the UIA Economic Dashboard at Michigan.gov/UIAEconomicDashboard.
Modernizing, transforming UIA
Online resources for workers are part of a sweeping transformation of the UIA into a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service. Other changes UIA has made to modernize the agency include:
- Initiated the planning and design of a new computer system, called MiUI, to replace the decade-old MiWAM that workers use to file for benefits. MiUI will speed claim filing, provide a user-friendly interface, and add robust anti-fraud processes.
- Formed a coalition of thought leaders from the labor, business, and jobless advocate communities as part of the UIA Modernization Workgroup to provide insight on significant improvements in how the agency can better serve Michigan workers and employers.
- Developed the Employer Help Center, a plain language guide answers employers’ questions on unemployment tax and claim issues and UIA programs. The innovative Help Center can be found at Michigan.gov/UIAEmployerHelpCenter.
- Created a Legal and Compliance Bureau to leverage collaborative anti-fraud practices to pursue bad actors who steal taxpayer money.
- Extended through June 2025 nearly 80 limited term employees in the Fraud and Investigations Division.
- Required new ethics and security clearance policies for employees and contractors.
- Partnered with the Michigan Department of Attorney General, and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to stop fraud. Since March 2020, 166 criminals have been charged with unemployment fraud, 125 have been convicted, and 106 sentenced to prison and ordered to pay restitution.
- Met U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Tax Performance System (TPS) Core Measures standards five years in a row, from 2019 to 2023. The UIA is on pace to meet standard for 2024 TPS Review.
- Rebuilt the UI Trust Fund to more than $2.8 billion (and growing). Weekly benefits are paid to workers from the Trust Fund, which is supported by taxes on employers.
Need help with a claim or have questions?
Meet with an agent: Schedule an in-person, phone, or virtual appointment at Michigan.gov/UIA.
Chat with an agent: Log into your MiWAM account during normal business hours.
Call Customer Service: 1-866-500-0017 during normal business hours.
Ask Ava: Our chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA can answer many general questions.
Find answers: View FAQs, videos, toolkits, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA.
