How to File for Unemployment in Michigan

Claims are filed online. The new MiUI system replaces MiWAM on November 9, 2026, and claims can no longer be filed by phone. Most UIA online services are unavailable from 4:30 p.m. November 2 to November 9, 2026, during the changeover. Report your work search at least once every 2 weeks when you certify for benefits.

In at least one base period quarter you must have earned at least the state minimum hourly wage times 388.06 (about $5,328 at the 2026 minimum wage of $13.73). You must also either have total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest-quarter wages, or wages in two or more quarters totaling at least 20 times the state average weekly wage. The base period is normally the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters, with the last 4 completed quarters as an alternative.

You must register for work with a Michigan Works agency and, for weeks claimed since January 1, 2025, do at least 3 work search activities each week. Activities include applying or interviewing for jobs, using Michigan Works resources, job search workshops, creating an online professional profile and registering with an employment agency. Duplicate profiles, resubmitting the same resume, reapplying for the same job within 4 weeks, or just checking whether a job is open do not count. Report each employer, its location and the date and method of contact; searches are subject to audit.