The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) reminds workers they can certify their job searches online on Christmas, which is Monday. Certification by telephone will not be available Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25, which are state holidays.

Claimants must report to UIA every two weeks if they are jobless and meet the eligibility requirements to receive benefits. Certification through the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week – even on holidays – by logging in at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Local UIA offices will be closed Friday this week and Monday next week. Also, the Customer Service and Office of Employer Ombudsman phone lines will not be staffed Friday and Monday. Because of the holiday closures, there may be a slight delay before unemployment benefits are deposited into a claimant’s bank account or added to their debit card.

Workers can go to Michigan.gov/UIA at any time to schedule future phone, virtual, and Local Office in-person appointments; find answers to frequently asked questions; and access resources, toolkits and instructional videos.

New resources available to workers

Three new resources for workers have recently been launched by the UIA to make applying for benefits easier:

• The Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, user-friendly six step guide to applying for and understanding your benefits.
• First-time filer coaching sessions: Online, web-based guidance from UIA staff who will walk users in a group setting through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
• UIA Community Connect program: An equity initiative that partners with local groups throughout the state to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.

More information about these and other resources can be found at Michigan.gov/UIA.