Capitol News

Federal workers in Michigan affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown may be eligible for state unemployment benefits, according to the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). The agency has launched a dedicated webpage to guide impacted workers through the unemployment application process, provide job search assistance, and connect them with community resources.

Federal employees who have been furloughed or dismissed can start their unemployment applications at the Resources for Terminated Federal Employees webpage, accessible at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.

UIA Director Jason Palmer stated, “As many federal workers face layoffs and job uncertainty, UIA is ready to help. We have created a webpage that explains what you need to know about filing for unemployment and highlights resources outside of UIA that may be helpful to families when they lose a paycheck due to the federal government shutdown.”

The agency advises furloughed workers that under the U.S. Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019, those who receive back pay for time off during the shutdown will be required to repay any unemployment benefits received during that period.

Federal employees who opted for the deferred resignation program are considered to have left their jobs voluntarily. To qualify for unemployment benefits in such cases, individuals must show they had good cause for leaving to avoid disqualification.

The Resources for Federal Employees webpage includes the UIA Claimant Roadmap, which provides step-by-step instructions for filing for unemployment using the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM). MiWAM is available online at Michigan.gov/UIA and operates 24 hours a day. It allows users to apply for benefits, certify work searches every two weeks, report employment status, and confirm eligibility requirements.

Eligibility for unemployment benefits applies to federal employees whose last official duty station was in Michigan, those who are Michigan residents with a last duty station outside the United States, and those who are Michigan residents who have worked in non-federal employment in the state after leaving federal service.

The UIA’s resource page also links to additional employment and community support services, including Michigan Works!, the Pure Michigan Talent Connect jobs database, Workforce Development services, and the Michigan Reconnect scholarship program.

Despite being a federally funded program, UIA reports that it continues to offer uninterrupted services such as claim filing, benefit payments, and support through local offices, online chat, and phone assistance during the shutdown.

Other support tools provided by UIA include an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot on its website, online coaching sessions led by staff on various topics related to unemployment claims, appointments that can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance, a library of instructional videos, a no-cost legal Advocacy Program for appeals, and an Economic Dashboard tracking trends in unemployment insurance.

Workers seeking assistance can schedule meetings, use the chatbot, access FAQs and toolkits online, or contact UIA by phone at 1-866-500-0017 or via TTY service at 1-866-366-0004.