There are two steps to apply for unemployment insurance: 1) file a claim for unemployment and 2) register to work. Here’s an overview of how to file a claim with the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). If you have specific questions, please contact the Unemployment Insurance Problem Resolution Office at 866-500-0017 or use the UIA phone in our service center and get through quicker.
What you’ll need
- Social security number
- Mailing address (including county)
- Driver’s license or state ID number
- Names and addresses of all employers from the past 18 months
- Dates of employment and wages paid by each employer for each quarter during the past 18 months
- Calendar quarters:
- January 1 – March 31
- April 1 – June 30
- July 1 – September 30
- October 1 – December 31
- Calendar quarters:
- If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, your alien registration number and expiration date of your work authorization
- Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) from any past employment claims
File a claim
There are several ways to file a new claim or re-open an existing claim:
- FASTEST AND PREFERRED METHOD Online: Visit www.michigan.gov/uia and sign into MILogin to access or create an account on the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM).
- Telephone: Call 1-866-500-0017. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, TTY service is available at 1-866-366-0004.
- In person: You will need to make an appointment (no walk-ins) for an in-person appointment. Schedule an Appointment
Register for work
After you’ve completed your application, there’s one more step before your unemployment claim is complete. Learn how to register for work here.
Resources
Fact Sheet: Claiming Unemployment Benefits in Michigan
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency
Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM)
MARVIN