The State of Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) will be closed Dec. 23 through 26 for the Christmas holiday and Dec. 30 through Jan. 2 to observe the New Year holiday.

Unemployed workers can still certify for benefits on those days using the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM). Certification by phone will not be available when state offices are closed. There may be a slight delay before benefits are deposited into bank accounts or loaded onto debit cards due to the holidays.

To claim benefits, unemployed workers must report once every two weeks that they are jobless and meet the eligibility requirements for benefits. Certification can be completed online through MiWAM or by phone through the Michigan Automated Response Voice Interactive Network (MARVIN). MARVIN can be reached toll-free at 1-866-638-3993.

Bi-weekly certification is just one of many services available to users through their MiWAM account. With an online account, claimants can access account information, review payment history, update contact information and more. MiWAM is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Claimants may login or sign up for an online account at Michigan.gov/UIA.

The UIA has revamped Michigan.gov/UIA to be more user-friendly and responsive for those accessing services using cell phones or tablets. The changes are part of Director Julia Dale’s priorities to improve customer service and fight fraud. Since Dale was appointed director in October 2021, UIA has:

• Announced a replacement for the agency’s decade-old computer system with a user-friendly, state-of-the-art interface for claimants and businesses. A new system will allow for quick analysis of data that is currently not possible and timely program adjustments as economic conditions change.
• Issued more than 76,000 waivers (and counting) to people who were asked to pay back benefits, waiving more than $555 million in overpayments.
• Secured a $6.8 million equity grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to make it easier for workers in underserved communities to access jobless benefits.
• Implemented new ethics and security clearance policies for employees and contractors.
• Collaborated with the Attorney General’s office as well as local, state and federal law enforcement to bring bad actors to justice and combat fraud at the agency.
• Rebuilt to nearly $1.8 billion (and growing) the UI Trust Fund from which weekly benefits are paid to workers who lose their job through no fault of their own.
• Reassigned staff and resources to address the largest categories of claims that are contributing to the agency’s overall case backlog.
• Worked to simplify its correspondence using a human-centered approach to make letters easier to understand for claimants and employers.

If claimants need assistance or have a question about unemployment, they are encouraged to schedule a phone, in-person or virtual appointment at Michigan.gov/UIA. They also can call Customer Service at 1-866-500-0017 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when UIA offices are open.