Michigan Unemployment Benefits: Complete Filing Guide

Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), part of the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), administers unemployment insurance for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This guide covers eligibility, filing, benefit amounts, and ongoing requirements for Michigan unemployment benefits.

Michigan Unemployment at a Glance

Detail	Information
Maximum weekly benefit	$362
Maximum benefit duration	20 weeks
Waiting period	1 week (unpaid)
Filing method	Online at michigan.gov/uia
Administering agency	Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Michigan unemployment benefits, you must:

Earnings Requirements

Base period: Michigan uses your wages from the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed.

Minimum earnings:

• Wages in at least two quarters of your base period
• Total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your high quarter wages
• High quarter wages of at least $3,667

Work Requirements

• Lost job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force, lack of work)
• Physically able to work and available for full-time work
• Actively seeking employment each week you claim benefits
• Ready to accept suitable work if offered

Who Is NOT Eligible

• Workers who quit without good cause attributable to the employer
• Workers discharged for misconduct connected with work
• Self-employed individuals (generally)
• Independent contractors (generally)
• Workers who refuse suitable work

How to File in Michigan

Online Filing (Recommended)

Website: michigan.gov/uia

Steps:

1. Create a MILogin account
2. Access the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM)
3. File your initial unemployment claim
4. Provide employment history and separation details
5. Submit your claim and check status in MiWAM

By Phone

Phone: 866-500-0017

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM

Note: Phone lines can be busy. Online filing is recommended.

Information You'll Need

Gather this before you start:

• Social Security Number
• Driver's license or state ID
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all employers in last 18 months
• Employment dates and wages
• Reason for separation from last employer
• Bank account information for direct deposit
• Alien registration information (if applicable)

Benefit Amounts in Michigan

Calculating Your Weekly Benefit

Michigan calculates your weekly benefit as approximately 4.1% of your high quarter wages.

Formula: High quarter wages × 4.1% = Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)

Minimum weekly benefit: $81 Maximum weekly benefit: $362

Example Calculations

High Quarter Wages	Weekly Benefit
$4,000	$164
$6,000	$246
$8,000	$328
$8,829+	$362 (maximum)

Total Benefit Duration

You can receive up to 20 weeks of benefits, depending on your earnings and the state unemployment rate.

Maximum total benefits cannot exceed 50% of your total base period wages.

The Waiting Period

Michigan has a one-week unpaid waiting period. This is the first week of your claim when you are unemployed but not yet receiving benefits.

• File your claim as soon as you're unemployed
• Your waiting week is the first week you're eligible
• Benefits begin the second week (if eligible)

Certifying for Benefits (Bi-Weekly)

You must certify every two weeks to continue receiving benefits.

How to Certify

Online (recommended): Log into MiWAM and complete your bi-weekly certification

By phone: Use the MARVIN automated system at 866-638-3993

When to Certify

Certify every two weeks—you'll be assigned specific certification dates. File for the previous two weeks of unemployment.

Certification Questions

Each certification asks:

• Were you able and available to work?
• Did you actively seek work?
• Did you refuse any job offers?
• Did you work or earn any money?
• Did you receive other income (severance, pension, etc.)?
• Did you attend school or training?

Answer honestly and completely. Michigan actively investigates fraud.

Receiving Your Payments

Direct Deposit (Recommended)

Set up direct deposit through MiWAM for fastest payment. Payments typically arrive 2-3 business days after certification.

Debit Card

If you don't set up direct deposit, benefits are loaded onto a Michigan UIA debit card.

Payment Timeline

Payments are processed within 1-2 days after you certify, if there are no issues with your claim.

Work Search Requirements

Michigan requires active work search while receiving benefits.

Requirements

• Conduct at least 3 employer contacts per week
• Register with Pure Michigan Talent Connect
• Document all work search activities
• Accept suitable work if offered

Qualifying Activities

• Applying for jobs directly
• Sending resumes
• Attending interviews
• Registering with staffing agencies
• Attending job fairs
• Completing job applications

Documentation

Track and record:

• Date of contact
• Employer name and contact information
• Position applied for
• Method of application
• Result

Michigan may audit your work search records.

Working While Receiving Benefits

You can work part-time and still receive partial benefits.

How It Works

Michigan uses an earnings deduction formula:

• $0-$50 earned: Full benefits paid
• Over $50: 50 cents deducted for every dollar earned over $50

Example

Weekly benefit: $300

• Part-time earnings of $40: Full $300 benefit
• Part-time earnings of $150: $300 - [($150-$50) × 0.5] = $250 benefit
• Part-time earnings of $650: $300 - [($650-$50) × 0.5] = $0 benefit

Report all earnings for the week worked.

Severance Pay and Unemployment

Michigan's treatment of severance:

• Lump-sum severance: Generally doesn't affect benefits unless allocated by week
• Severance as wage continuation: Affects benefits for weeks covered
• Vacation pay: May affect benefits depending on how paid

Report all severance payments. The UIA will determine the impact.

Special Situations

Quit with Good Cause

You may qualify if you quit for good cause attributable to the employer:

• Unsafe working conditions
• Employer's failure to pay wages
• Harassment or hostile work environment
• Significant reduction in pay or hours

Personal reasons for quitting generally don't qualify.

Discharged for Misconduct

Misconduct connected with work disqualifies you:

• Violation of employer rules
• Insubordination
• Theft or dishonesty
• Chronic absenteeism
• Drug/alcohol violations

You can appeal a misconduct determination.

Auto Industry Workers

Michigan has significant auto industry employment. Temporary layoffs and model changeovers have specific provisions.

Seasonal Workers

If you work in a seasonal industry, benefits may be affected by the nature of seasonal employment.

Appeals Process

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

How to Appeal

1. You have 30 days from the mailing date of the determination to file an appeal
2. File online through MiWAM or by mail
3. A hearing will be scheduled
4. Attend your telephone hearing
5. Receive a written decision

Preparing for Appeal

• Review the denial reason
• Gather evidence (documents, witnesses)
• Prepare your testimony
• Consider legal representation

Further Appeals

If you disagree with the Administrative Law Judge's decision, you can appeal to the Michigan Compensation Appellate Commission.

Tips for Michigan Filers

1. File immediately — Don't delay; benefits start from filing date
2. Use MiWAM online — It's faster and allows claim tracking
3. Certify every two weeks — Set a reminder
4. Register with Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Required
5. Make at least 3 job contacts per week — Document everything
6. Report all earnings — Failure to report is fraud
7. Check MiWAM regularly — Important messages are sent there
8. Appeal within 30 days — Don't miss the deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive benefits?

If there are no issues, expect your first payment 2-3 weeks after filing (including the waiting week).

Why is Michigan's maximum benefit so low?

Michigan's $362 maximum hasn't been significantly increased in years. It's below the national average. This is a state policy decision.

Can I get unemployment if I was fired?

It depends on why. If fired for misconduct, you're disqualified. If let go for other reasons (performance issues not constituting misconduct, lack of work), you may qualify.

What if I worked in multiple states?

You generally file in Michigan if you worked here most recently. Michigan can file a combined wage claim using earnings from other states.

Is unemployment taxable?

Yes. Michigan unemployment benefits are subject to federal income tax and Michigan state income tax. You can elect withholding.

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Key Takeaways

1. Maximum benefit is $362/week for up to 20 weeks
2. File online through MiWAM at michigan.gov/uia
3. Certify every two weeks to receive benefits
4. Register with Pure Michigan Talent Connect — Required
5. Make 3 job contacts per week and document them
6. Report all earnings when you certify
7. Appeal within 30 days if denied

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Related Resources:

• Main Unemployment Guide →
• Emergency Budget Planning →
• First 24 Hours After Layoff →
• Unemployment Appeals →