How to file for unemployment in Michigan: What you need to know

Mar. 25--Responding to the overwhelming -- and unprecedented -- number of people who are filing for unemployment benefits, Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency offered some tips that might help.

Apply during off-peak hours.

This, of course, won't work if everyone suddenly starts making claims at night, but, for now, the agency said, fewer people are filing online after 8 p.m. and before 8 a.m., so for those hours the system is running faster.

"We want to assure Michiganders that the system is providing emergency financial relief," Steve Gray, the agency's director said, adding the website is "operating a little slower, and phone queues are full resulting in busy signals for some callers."

Despite complaints, the agency said the online system, Michigan.gov/UIA, is working. Systems in other states have crashed. Online is the fastest way to file, the agency said.

People who don't have digital access can call 866-500-0017. Choose option 1. Phone lines are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The state has added a call-back feature if you are on hold so you don't have to stay on hold on the line.

If you can't get through, be patient and keep trying. There is a deadline to apply for benefits, but it has been extended by a temporary order by the governor from 14 days from the time you stopped working to 28 days.

Also, once you are online, it may take several minutes for a page to load.

If this happens, the agency said don't get frustrated and keep clicking to reload a page.

As the expression goes: Wait for it ...

Here are some answers to other questions:

What if I am quarantined or sick?

Benefits have been expanded to cover workers who are sick, quarantined or immunocompromised and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off.

What if I'm caring for someone who is sick?

Workers are forced to care for loved ones who become ill and who do not have access to paid family and medical leave or are laid off are eligible.

How about caring for kids out of school?

If you have unanticipated family care responsibilities, including childcare responsibilities because school is closed, you are now eligible under the governor's new order and should apply.

How long do benefits last?

Benefits were increased from 20 to up to 26 weeks.

Do I have to show I am still looking for work?

No. The in-person registration and work search requirements were suspended.

What if I am self-employed?

The governor has requested that President Donald Trump issue a Major Disaster Declaration so that individual assistance and disaster unemployment assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency may be made available to additional Michiganders affected by the coronavirus.

What do I need to file?

You need your Social Security number; your employment information for the past 18 months, including your employer's name and address, first day and last day you worked, and the amount you earned; your address; phone number; date of birth; your non-Citizens Alien registration, if you have one; the expiration date of your work authorization card and your driver's license or state ID.

When do I get paid?

You get paid every two weeks and must confirm that you are still unemployed by answering some questions.

How do I report I'm still unemployed?

You can do it online or by phone at 866-500-0017 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturdays.

How do I get paid?

There are two options: Direct deposit through your bank or credit union or a Bank of America debit card from the unemployment agency.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

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