Capitol News

State offices in Michigan, including the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), will be closed on Tuesday, November 11 for Veterans Day. Despite the closure, workers can still access a range of online services provided by UIA.

According to the agency, individuals can file claims and certify their job searches online using the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) at Michigan.gov/UIA. MiWAM is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The agency recommends that applying for benefits and certifying work searches online remains the most efficient way to receive unemployment assistance.

Due to the holiday closure, those who typically certify by phone using the Michigan Automated Voice Interactive Network (MARVIN) will not be able to do so on November 11. Workers scheduled for phone certification on that day are advised to complete their certification on Thursday or Friday of the same week. Regular biweekly certification is required for claimants to report their employment status and confirm eligibility for benefits.

The agency notes there may be slight delays in benefit deposits as a result of the one-day office closure.

For support during the holiday, UIA’s artificial intelligence-powered chatbot will remain available around-the-clock at Michigan.gov/UIA. Both workers and employers can use this tool via desktop or mobile devices for quick responses to general questions.

UIA’s local offices, customer service hotline (1-866-500-0017), and Office of Employer Ombudsman line (1-855-484-2636, Option 4) will resume normal operations on Wednesday, November 12.

Additional resources available online include:

- The UIA Claimant Roadmap at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap, which guides users through six steps of applying for and understanding benefits.

- Online Coaching Sessions led by UIA staff covering topics such as filing claims and appeals processes; first-time filer sessions are also offered in Spanish.

- A scheduling calendar for appointments up to 14 days in advance at Michigan.gov/UIA.

- FAQs, toolkits, and instructional videos on YouTube.

- Resources specifically for terminated federal workers at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.

- Free legal assistance through the Advocacy Program for those appealing UIA decisions.

- Information about MiUI University regarding an upcoming computer system update planned for summer 2026 aimed at improving claims processing and anti-fraud measures.

- The UIA Economic Dashboard tracking unemployment insurance trends statewide at Michigan.gov/UIAEconomicDashboard.

Workers needing help with claims can schedule meetings—either in-person, by phone, or virtually—at Michigan.gov/UIA. The chatbot is available online anytime, while live chat via MiWAM operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Telephone support is also available during business hours with TTY service provided.