If you've been laid off in Michigan, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). Michigan's maximum benefit of $362/week is lower than many states, and duration is typically 20 weeks (not 26), so understanding the system and planning accordingly is important.
Michigan Unemployment Benefits Overview
Benefit Amounts
Category
Amount
Weekly minimum
$81
Weekly maximum
$362
Dependent allowance
$6/week per dependent
Benefit duration
20 weeks (up to 26 in high unemployment)
How Benefits Are Calculated:
Your weekly benefit amount is 4.1% of your wages in the highest quarter of your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters), capped at $362.
Dependent Allowances:
$6 per week for each dependent (children under 18)
Up to 5 dependents can be claimed
Maximum total with dependents: $392/week
Duration of Benefits
Michigan's benefit duration varies:
State Unemployment Rate
Weeks Available
Below 7.5%
20 weeks
7.5% - 8.5%
22-24 weeks
Above 8.5%
Up to 26 weeks
Current Status: Check UIA website for current duration based on unemployment rate.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Michigan unemployment:
Earned sufficient wages in your base period (wages in at least 2 quarters and meet minimum wage requirements)
Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force)
Be able and available to work full-time
Actively seek suitable work each week
Register with Pure Michigan Talent Connect
Be legally authorized to work in the United States
How to File for Michigan Unemployment
Before You File
Gather the following information:
Social Security number
Michigan driver's license or ID number
Mailing address, email, and phone number
Last employer information:
Company name, address, phone number
Federal Employer ID Number (FEIN) if known
Dates of employment
Reason for separation
Work history for past 18 months (all employers)
Direct deposit information (routing and account numbers)
Tip: Phone lines can be very busy. Online filing through MiWAM is typically faster.
Filing Timeline
Event
Timeframe
File initial claim
First week of unemployment
Waiting week
First week (no payment)
Register on Pure Michigan Talent Connect
Within 14 days
First certification
2 weeks after filing
First payment
~3 weeks after filing (if approved)
After You File
The Waiting Week
Michigan has a one-week unpaid waiting period. Your first week of unemployment serves as the waiting week—you must meet all requirements but won't receive payment.
Certifying for Benefits
Every two weeks, you must certify by:
Logging into MiWAM
Selecting "Certify for Bi-Weekly Benefits"
Answering questions about each week
Reporting any work and gross earnings
Confirming work search activities
Certification Schedule:
Available the week after your biweekly period ends
Must complete within designated timeframe
Missing certification = no payment for those weeks
Work Search Requirements
Michigan requires you to actively seek work:
Weekly Work Search Activities:
Acceptable Activities:
Applying for jobs
Submitting resumes to employers
Interviewing for positions
Attending job fairs
Registering with employment agencies
Attending approved training programs
Using Michigan Works! services
You Must Also:
Register on Pure Michigan Talent Connect
Keep detailed records of job search activities
Provide proof if requested
Accept suitable work offers
Receiving Your Benefits
Payment Methods
Direct Deposit:
Fastest payment method
Set up during application or through MiWAM
Funds available within 24-48 hours of processing
Michigan Debit Card (Bank of America):
Default if no direct deposit
Card mailed after claim approval
Takes 7-10 days to arrive
Can use at ATMs or for purchases
Payment Schedule
Certify every two weeks
Payments processed within 48 hours of certification
Direct deposit arrives 1-2 business days after processing
Taxes on Unemployment
Unemployment benefits are taxable income at both federal and state levels.
Federal Tax:
Optional 10% withholding
Michigan State Tax:
Subject to MI income tax (4.25% flat rate)
Optional state withholding available
Recommendation: Have taxes withheld to avoid a large bill at tax time.
Working While Receiving Benefits
Partial Benefits
Michigan allows part-time work while receiving reduced benefits:
Earnings Formula:
You can earn up to 50% of your weekly benefit without reduction
Earnings above 50% reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar
If you earn more than 1.5× your weekly benefit, no payment
Example:
Weekly benefit: $300
50% earnings allowance: $150
Your earnings: $200
Excess: $50 ($200 - $150)
Benefit paid: $250 ($300 - $50)
Total income: $450
Reporting Requirements
When certifying:
Report all work, including part-time and temporary
Report gross earnings (before deductions)
Report for the week worked, not when paid
Report job offers and refusals
Dependent Allowances
Michigan provides additional benefits for dependents.
Who Qualifies
Dependent Children:
Must be under 18 years old
You must provide more than half of their support
Provides $6/week per dependent (up to 5)
How to Claim
Include dependent information when filing
Provide dependent names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers
UIA may request documentation
Common Issues and Solutions
Claim Under Review
Your claim may need review if:
Your employer disputes the separation
You quit or were fired
Wages need verification
Previous claims had issues
What to Do:
Respond promptly to all UIA requests
Check MiWAM regularly for updates and requests
Attend scheduled phone interviews
Provide documentation (termination letter, etc.)
Benefit Denial
If your claim is denied:
You'll receive a Determination
You have 30 calendar days to appeal
File appeal through MiWAM
A hearing will be scheduled with an Administrative Law Judge
Michigan's unemployment benefits are modest compared to other states. File promptly, certify on time, and actively pursue your job search using all available resources.
