How to File for Unemployment in Michigan
Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency processes claims through MiWAM, accessed with a MiLogin account, and uniquely requires claimants to personally meet with staff at a local Michigan Works! office — virtually or in person — to verify their job-seeker profile before filing their first weekly certification.
This site is an independent, non-government unemployment directory and isn't affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the U.S. Department of Labor, any state workforce agency, or other official entity. Always verify details directly with the official agency before visiting or applying.
What You'll Need
- Driver's license or state ID
- Social Security number
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
- Employer legal name, address, and EIN for each job worked in the last 18 months
- Dates worked and pay rate for each employer
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1
Gather your documents
You'll need a driver's license or state ID, your Social Security number, bank account and routing numbers, and for each employer from the last 18 months, the company's legal name/address and EIN (found on your pay stub or W-2), plus your work dates, pay rate, and separation reason.
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2
Set up MiLogin and apply through MiWAM
Log into MiWAM using your MiLogin credentials — the same login used for Secretary of State and MiBridges services — and complete the application; file by the Friday of the week after your last day worked to keep your claim on time.
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3
Wait for your Monetary Determination Letter
UIA reviews your application and mails a letter stating whether you meet the minimum wage requirements; if you disagree with it, you can file a protest.
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4
Register and meet with Michigan Works!
Build a job-seeker profile with Pure Michigan Talent Connect using your MiLogin account, then meet (virtually or in person) with staff at your local Michigan Works! office to verify it at least one business day before your first certification.
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5
Log three work search activities weekly
As of a 2026 law change, Michigan now requires three documented work-search activities each week, and UIA may ask you to prove you completed them.
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Call if the online system gives you trouble
The UIA customer service line is 1-866-500-0017, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; call volume runs heaviest on Mondays and Tuesdays.
File Your Claim
Compare Other States
Unemployment rules, benefit amounts, and filing steps are set state by state. These share Michigan's census region — useful if you're moving, or comparing how another state runs the program.
Helpful Guides
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Learn more →How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
Learn more →Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Learn more →Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Learn more →