New unemployment insurance system open for business

The UIA's new and improved unemployment benefits computer system - the Michigan Integrated Data Automated System (MIDAS) was successfully upgraded and implemented on October 1.

Claimants are now able to manage their unemployment insurance accounts online using the Michigan Web Account Manager (MTWAM) 24 hours a day.

Claimants will also notice an enhanced script when calling the Michigan Automated Voice Interactive Network (MARVIN) and an extra day of MARVIN availability by phone. MARVIN'S hours of operation are now Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

As a reminder to UIA customers:

* MiWAM password resets - Some claimants who previously certified with MARVIN online are having difficulty with Password login when they attempt to sign into MiWAM.

For faster service please visit our website at www. michigan.gov/uia to set up an online claim web account that will allow you to change your benefit payment method, use Marvin Online, review your payment history or submit your claim question or problem for response by a customer service representative.

* Benefit Payments -Claimants who certified for payment on October 1, should see their payments hit their bank accounts by October 4th. Customers who certified on any other date should receive payments as usual.

* Customer Service phone lines and Problem Resolution Offices are experiencing heavy volumes due to systems being unavailable Sept. 26-30 during the upgrade.

About 115 agents have been temporarily reassigned to assist customers on the phone.

Customers are also being encouraged to communicate with the agency online instead of by phone.

Go to https://miwam. unemployment.state. mi.us/mip/webdoc/_/#1to to sign up and log in to MiWAM to review their UI account.

Through MiWAM customers can also inquire about their individual accounts directly to the agency.

For more information about LARA, please visit www.michigan.gov/lara.