How to file for unemployment in Michigan

The online claim is usually the fastest way. Here is what to have ready, when your claim starts and what comes after you file.

All about unemployment in Michigan

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Filing, step by step

Apply online in MiWAM (you need a MiLogin account first), or by phone at 1-866-500-0017, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also make a phone, virtual or in-person appointment with UIA.

When to file and when your claim starts

File as soon as you lose your job or your hours are cut. UIA says that to file on time, you must file by Friday of the week after your last day of work. Your claim normally starts on the Sunday of the week you apply.

What to have ready

Driver's license or state ID card
Social Security number
Bank account and routing number for direct deposit (other payment options are available)
If you are not a U.S. citizen: your USCIS number and the expiration date of your work authorization card
For each employer in the last 18 months: the corporation name and address and the employer's tax ID number (EIN/FEIN), found on your pay stub or W-2
Your first and last day worked for each employer, your pay rate and how often you were paid
The separation reason your employer gave for your job loss or reduced hours

Certify (claim your weeks)

How often: Every two weeks. Certify every two weeks online in MiWAM (any time during your certification week, by 11:59 p.m. Saturday) or by phone with MARVIN at 1-866-638-3993 on the day and time set by the last two digits of your Social Security number (Thursday and Friday are make-up days). Report gross earnings for the week you did the work and your work search activities for each week.

Your first payment

You should get a Monetary Determination in 5 to 7 business days. On a new claim, no payment is released until 10 days after the mail date on the Monetary Determination (your employer's protest period). After that, if you are eligible and have certified, your first payment is issued automatically by direct deposit or a U.S. Bank ReliaCard debit card.

Register for work

To register for work, create a job seeker profile in Pure Michigan Talent Connect with your MiLogin account, then meet (in person or virtually) with Michigan Works! staff to verify it. Both steps must be done at least one business day before you certify for the first time. If you are expected back at your full-time job within 45 days, your employer can ask that you be excused; your Monetary Determination says whether you were.

Pure Michigan Talent Connect and Michigan Works!

Paper forms

Law: MCL 421.28, 421.32

Official source: Source page

What applies in every state

File with the unemployment program of the state where you worked. If you worked in another state or in several states, the agency in the state where you live now can tell you how to file with other states.
It generally takes two to three weeks after you file to get your first payment. Some states require a one-week waiting period, so the second week you claim is the first week paid.

Free help

Call 1-866-500-0017. Legal aid and other free help in Michigan → Official sources →