How to File an Online Unemployment Claim in Michigan

Michigan has been devestated by the economic recession. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that as of December 2008, Michigan has the highest unemployment rate of any state at a 10.6% unemployment rate. The Great Lake State has been flooded with individuals seeking unemployment benefits.

Unemployed workers can speed up the process by filing their unemployment claims online. The Unemployment Insurance Agency actually encourages Michigan residents to file their claims online.

Filing an unemployment claim online is more convenient than filing by telephone. You don't have to worry about finding a quiet place to call. If your kids are screaming or the neighbor's dog is barking, you don't have to worry about not being able to hear.

Michigan residents can file an unemployment claim with the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Unemployment claims can be filed Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Unemployment Insurance Agency suggests claims be filed before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. to maximize the speed of the claim.

In order to file a new unemployment claim, the Unemployment Insurance Agency requires an applicant to meet the following criteria:

An applicant must have been employed by at least one (but not more than 19) Michigan employers during the past 12 months

The applicant did not file an unemployment claim against another state during the past 12 months

The applicant did not work under more than one social security number during the past 18 months

The applicant must know their employer's mailing address

You need the following information to fill out an online unemployment claim for Michigan:

Your social security number

Your PIN from a previous unemployment claim, your diver's license number, or state ID number

Your bank's account and routing number (if opting for direct deposit of unemployment benefits)

The names of employers, addresses, and dates of employment for the past 18 months

What can an applicant expect when filling out an online unemployment claim?

You will be asked to answer questions relating to your unemployment claim. Depending on the amount of information the Unemployment Insurance Agency already has on file, filling out the unemployment claim could take up to 45 minutes.

Keep in mind that you must answer all questions unless it is indicated that a response is unnecessary. The system will not accept incomplete answers.

Remember to read the "Help Messages" if you are unsure how to answer. Do not guess! Incorrect or inaccurate answers can hold up your unemployment claim. Intentionally dishonest answers can result in jail time.

Make sure you click the "Proceed" button after your unemployment application has been completed. If an applicant exits the window before doing this, all of the information will be lost. Wait until you see the confirmation page. Print this page or write down the confirmation number.

You also have the option of choosing to receive your unemployment benefits through a debit card or direct deposit. After your claim has been completed, you will be presented with these options.

As the economic condition in Michigan continues to worsen, more and more residents will be filing unemployment claims. Make sure your claim is processed as efficiently as possible by filing your unemployment claim online.

Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/LAU/

Unemployment Insurance Agency of Michigan, http://www.michigan.gov/uia