Lansing, MI – The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) will be closed Dec 23, 24, 30 and 31 to observe the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and encourages those certifying for benefits to do so early in the week.
Although unemployed workers can still certify for benefits online using the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM), certification by phone will not be available when state offices are closed for the holidays. Claimants scheduled to certify by phone this week should do so by Wednesday, Dec. 22. Claimants scheduled to certify the week of the 27th should certify by Wednesday, Dec. 29.
Because of the holidays, there may be a one- or two-day delay before benefits are deposited into the bank accounts or loaded onto the debit cards of unemployed workers.
Delays may also be experienced by unemployed workers who request a new or replacement debit card. Some of the delay may be due to holiday postal volumes; however, the debit card vendor is also experiencing a delay of up to three days in card production. The vendor is working to resolve the production issues; in the meantime claimants can select direct deposit as a benefits payment method.
Unemployed workers claiming benefits in Michigan must report once every two weeks that they are unemployed and meet the eligibility requirements for benefits. Certification can be completed online through MiWAM or by phone through the Michigan Automated Response Voice Interactive Network (MARVIN). MARVIN can be reached toll-free at 1-866-638-3993.
Bi-weekly certification is just one of many services available to users through their MiWAM account. With an online account, claimants can access account information, review payment history, update contact information and more. MiWAM is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Claimants may login or sign up for an online account at Michigan.gov/UIA.
