This press release has been produced and distributed by the State of MI
Beginning May 30, 2021, claimants receiving unemployment benefits will be required to actively search for work and report at least one work search activity for each week they claim benefits. You must report your work search activity when you certify. Your benefits will not be paid until your work search activities have been reported to UIA.
A waiver of the work search requirement may be granted due to certain COVID-19 related reasons. You must apply and be approved for a COVID-19 Work Search Waiver before you certify for benefits for the week. You will be notified at the time of the request whether a waiver of the requirement is granted.
Claimants may apply for a waiver beginning May 30, 2021, either in MiWAM by clicking “Request a COVID-19 Work Search Waiver” or by calling the UIA customer service line at 1-866-500-0017.
—
How to Complete Your Work Search
The first time you are required to include the details of your work search activity is when you certify for the week ending June 5, 2021.
The preferred method for reporting work search activities is online using your Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account.
- Enter your work search activity in MiWAM at Michigan.gov/uia. Questions about your work search will be included with your regular certification questions. Enter the details of your Work Search Activity for Week 1 and Week 2.
- Certify with MiWAM any day during your certification week.
OR
- Certify by phone with MARVIN at 866-638-3993. Listen carefully to the prompts and answer the certification questions. After completing the automated questions, you must stay on the line to be connected with an agent to provide the details of your work search.
- Do not hang up before you have provided your work search details or your certification will not be complete, and your benefits will not be paid.
If Certifying By Phone
Beginning June 7, 2021, If certifying by phone, you must certify on your scheduled certification day and time. Your certification day and time are scheduled according to the last two digits of your Social Security Number.
Example: If your Social Security Number is 555-55-5511, the last two digits are 11. The appointment time for number 11 is Monday between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
—
What to include when reporting your work search activities:
- Date of Contact – The date of your work search activity must fall within the week ending date (Sunday through Saturday) for each
- Activity – Enter the work search activity for the week you are claiming benefits. One is required, but additional can be entered. Allowable work search activities may include submitting applications, contacting employers, checking resources at employment offices, checking job listings at Michigan Works, attending job fairs or employment workshops.
- Name of Employer/Organization/Search Engine – Write the name, if known, or the online job search site, or employment service or agency that was contacted. If the search was done online and the employer was not specified, enter the name of the search engine, employment service or employment Enter the Michigan Works agency that you used for your work search activity.
- Employer Address/Online Location – Enter the location where work was sought, physical address or online website address. If the contact was made by telephone or fax, enter the phone number
- Method of Contact – Enter how contact was made (e.g., Online, email, in person, phone, mail, fax, ).
Please continue to check the UIA website at michigan.gov/uia for updates on Michigan’s work search requirements.
Click here for a list of valid Work Search Activities
Click here for information about Work Search Waivers
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about Work Search
Resources for jobseekers, including, training, workshops, access to job fairs and more are available through local Michigan Works! service centers. Call 800-285-WORKS or visit michiganworks.org.
Other state assistance programs are available for Michiganders who need assistance with making ends meet. Through the Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services MI Bridges program, claimants can apply for healthcare coverage, food and cash assistance, and more. MI Bridges also list helpful state and local resources.
—
Click on this link for more information about job seeker services through Upper Peninsula Michigan Works.