New requirement starts Nov. 7

Beginning November 7, 2021, unemployed workers filing a new claim for benefits will be required to register for work with Michigan Works! staff and verify their registration with either an in person or virtual appointment. 

"Registering with Michigan Works! not only fulfills a requirement to receive unemployment benefits, but it also provides unemployed workers with a great advantage in landing one of the 114,000 available jobs listed by employers on Pure Michigan Talent Connect," Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Director Julia Dale said. "Work registration is also helpful for employers in recruiting job candidates at a time when hiring has been difficult."

To register for work, claimants must complete the following two steps:

• First, visit MiTalent.org to create a job seeker profile on Pure Michigan Talent Connect.
• Second, meet with staff from a local Michigan Works! Service Center either virtually or in person at least one business day before the first certification (claimants must certify bi-weekly that they are eligible for benefits).

Claimants will receive an email confirmation when registration is complete and verified. If claimants don't meet with Michigan Works! Service Center staff to verify their registration it could delay the payment of unemployment benefits.

Claimants must register for work in addition to completing and reporting to the UIA their work search activities. Those filing for benefits must report at least one work search activity for each week they claim benefits. Work search activities include, but are not limited to, applying for jobs in person or online, attending job fairs, creating a profile or resume on a professional networking or job site such as MiTalent.org, and participating in online job search workshops or seminars.

The Michigan Works! Association partners with UIA to assist claimants with getting back to work. The statewide network of MWA offices provides job-search resources, including job postings, job matches, hiring fairs, workshops, seminars, career resources and more.

A claimant's work registration is valid for one year after their initial claim for unemployment benefits. Work registration is required with every new benefit year.

Visit the UIA website at Michigan.gov/UIA for more information about Work Registration.