How to Apply for Unemployment in Michigan Online 2023 | Full Guide

If you have lost your job or had your working and earning hours reduced, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits in Michigan. This article provides a detailed guide on how to apply for unemployment in Michigan online.

Unemployment insurance in Michigan is a plan set by the Michigan state to support out-of-job individuals for a certain period temporarily.

Apart from your job termination, there are other criteria you may need to meet to qualify to apply.

In this article, we have discussed all the eligibility requirements, a simple guide on how to apply for unemployment benefits, and everything else you need to know.

What You Need to Know About Michigan

The state of Michigan is located in the upper Midwestern United States, near the Great Lakes. In terms of population, Michigan is the tenth-biggest state. Also, in terms of size, it is the eleventh-largest state and the largest state east of the Mississippi River.

In one word, Michigan is stunning. Michigan is a haven of natural beauty, from the Great Lakes to the 103 state parks and recreational sites.

The Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the Upper Peninsula are just two of Michigan’s breathtaking natural attractions.

Michigan is still a significant player in the American car industry and is regarded as the nation’s automotive center. The tourist, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors are also important in Michigan.

You should take some time to read: Can I Get Unemployment if I Quit?

What Does it Mean to Apply for Unemployment in Michigan Online?

Workers who fulfill Michigan’s qualifying conditions for unemployment insurance benefits and are out of work due to no fault of their own get temporary financial help. These benefits are designed to give temporary financial support as unemployed people look for new jobs.

The unemployment insurance program in Michigan provides financial security for laid-off workers. Unemployment compensation only represents a small portion of a worker’s prior earnings.

Depending on an employee’s most recent income, the state applies a precise formula to calculate the number of unemployment benefits. In essence, only those with high incomes benefit to the fullest extent.

Even though you can apply for unemployment insurance as early as two days following your final day of employment, you must follow a precise procedure to be eligible and get payments.

Why Apply for Unemployment in Michigan Online

Applying for unemployment in Michigan, otherwise known as unemployment benefits in Michigan, is simply a way for Michigan residents who have lost their jobs for reasons outside their fault to benefit from the safety net provided by the State of Michigan.

This covers circumstances in which employees lost their jobs due to a termination, a labor dispute, or just being required to take an unpaid leave of absence.

The purpose of Michigan unemployment benefits and unemployment insurance is to give you a short-term source of income while you look for employment.

The state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency offers this service (UIA). All businesses in the state are required to pay unemployment taxes, which are distributed weekly to laid-off employees.

You must have made $8,829 in your largest quarter to be eligible for the maximum $362 in benefits every week.

For applicants who have families, Michigan UIA also provides a dependent allowance for the children. A weekly assistance of $6 is given to each child, up to five.

As an applicant, regardless of the number of kids in your household, your expected benefits can be at most $362. You would not get a dependant allowance if your most recent earnings qualified you for $362.

Who is Eligible for Michigan Unemployment Insurance?

To check who is eligible for the Michigan unemployment benefits, first, you must be a resident of Michigan state and meet the requirements below:

  • Must be unemployed
  •  You must have worked in Michigan for the past 12 months or longer.
  •  You must actively seek work and employment opportunities each week you receive your unemployment benefits. You must possess the skills to seek and apply for jobs actively.
  •  Also, you must meet the minimum wage requirement set by Michigan deadlines.

What Qualifies Me For Unemployment in Michigan?

Each state has its requirements for receiving unemployment insurance benefits, although typically, you are eligible if you:

  • You are not at blame for your unemployment. Most states need you to have left your previous job due to a lack of employment opportunities.
  •  You meet the prerequisites for labor and pay. Your state’s standards for hours worked or money received within a predetermined period, known as a “base period,” must be met. This typically refers to the first four of the past five complete calendar quarters before your claim is submitted in most states.
  •  Also, if you can abide by any further Michigan state obligations.

What Disqualifies You for Unemployment in Michigan?

Even if you fulfill all requirements for Michigan unemployment benefits, your application can still be turned down depending on your job status.

There are additional requirements if you have held political office, are employed by a family company, or were self-employed.

Seasonal or temporary employees

Temporary employees often are eligible for unemployment benefits in Michigan, provided they fulfill the basic eligibility requirements outlined above and submit a claim.

Self-employed individual

Employees who are self-employed are not eligible for unemployment benefits. This applies to scenarios where you are an LLC or the single proprietor of your company.

This is because businesses must pay unemployment taxes to the state authority; if you think you made unemployment taxes, you could be eligible to file for benefits. 

Had occupations that paid on a commission basis

You are not qualified if an insurance provider, real estate broker, or home improvement business compensated your previous employment on a commission basis.

Anyone earning a commission-based salary while employed as a salesperson is not eligible.

You were an employee of a family business:

So long as the company is neither a collaboration nor a sole proprietorship, employees employed by a family corporation are often eligible for unemployment benefits.

Unemployment benefits are only valid for 7.5 weeks when the jobless person holds a stake in the business. Unemployment benefits are not available to minor workers employed by a parent-owned company.

You worked for religious organizations.

In general, employees of religious institutions are not eligible for unemployment benefits.

Religious organizations may volunteer to offer benefits to their ex-employees in certain exceptional circumstances, but the law does not require this.

You were a teacher or an educator.

If they lose their jobs, staff members at public and nonprofit schools are eligible for unemployment compensation.

However, if educators and staff workers intend to return to their position when classes start, they cannot petition for unemployment benefits during school vacations or recesses.

Students who work for a firm or business in exchange for school credit are not eligible for unemployment benefits. Additionally, students who work for a school but are “primarily students” do not qualify for unemployment benefits.

You were an official in politics.

Elected or appointed government officials are not eligible for unemployment benefits after serving.

You are a pregnant employee.

You are entitled to unemployment benefits if your employer forces you to take a pregnancy-related mandated leave of absence. Also, you are not eligible if you willingly took a leave of absence.

Also, see 15 Most Affordable Michigan Online Schools.

What Do You Need to Apply for Unemployment in Michigan Online?

Here is what you need to file for unemployment in Michigan online:

  • Your social security number
  •  Driver’s license or your state ID number.
  •  Physical address
  •  Birth certificate
  •  Your Personal Identification Number (MARVIN PIN) from a prior claim
  •  Details on a bank account for direct deposit
  •  The names and addresses of all the employers you have previously worked for in the last 18 months, along with your semiannual gross profits and the most recent date of employment with each employer, are required if you are not an American national or citizen. 
  •  You must also provide your Alien Registration Number and the date your work authorization expires.

What are the Requirements to Apply for Unemployment in Michigan Online?

There must be a tangible reason for your unemployment.

The Michigan UIA assesses the cause of unemployment to decide whether applicants are eligible for benefits. In Michigan, candidates who lose their jobs due to misbehavior do not qualify for unemployment benefits.

If the employer is to blame, employees who voluntarily leave their jobs may be qualified for unemployment benefits. However, in Michigan, the employee must notify the employer of the issue and allow him time to fix it.

Employees may not be eligible for unemployment benefits if the company is not at fault for their employment termination.

While the unemployment office conducts its inquiry, the cause of your unemployment may cause a delay in payments.

You must fulfill the employment requirements.

According to the statute, candidates must register with the Michigan Talent Bank 2 – 3 business days before submitting a benefits claim. After then, check your job registration at the Michigan Works Agency service facility closest to you.

Candidates who work part-time may still be eligible for unemployment compensation. However, the state mechanically charges 50 cents from each dollar earned if wages are equal to or lower than the weekly assistance amount.

As long as the incomes are at most 1.5 times the weekly benefit, applicants who earn salaries over the benefit threshold may still be eligible for unemployment benefits.

The amount from which the state will deduct salaries will be one and a half times the weekly benefit.

You must be available for employment.

The Michigan Unemployment Agency mandates that benefits recipients be available for employment at all times.

For claimants to be eligible for unemployment benefits, they must also have the ability to carry out tasks connected to their employment.

How to Apply for Unemployment in Michigan Online

There are two easy ways to apply for unemployment in Michigan:

  • Online application
  •  Telephone application

Online unemployment application:

If you submit your application electronically, you must do it using the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) system. You may fill out the application and upload any required documentation using this online tool. It requires around 45 minutes.

Phone-based unemployment applications:

By phoning 1-866-500-0017 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., you can apply for unemployment benefits through the Michigan unemployment line. And 4:30 p.m. – from Monday to Friday.

You must call at the time specified using the last two numbers of your Social Security number, which is crucial to know. You will have to wait until “open call-in” dates if you are late.

However, filling out an online application form is a more practical approach to submitting a request for the Healthy and Well Kids Iowa program. This is simpler and more convenient as one may complete an application at any time or place.

Another benefit of filling out an application online is that you can start where you left off after the last time you filled it out.

What to Do After Applying for Unemployment in Michigan

Here is what to do after you have applied for unemployment benefits in Michigan:

  • Create a job-seeking profile at MiTalent.org to apply for jobs.
  •  Meet with employees of your neighborhood Michigan Works!
  •  Service Center in person or online
  •  Verify your eligibility for payment every two weeks – Report truthfully.
  •  During your biweekly certification, look for a job and record at minimum one weekly work search activity.
  •  Please pay attention to any information requests we may send you and reply to them. Either postal or electronic delivery of information is an option.
  •  Your qualification for benefits might be impacted by this information, which could be time-sensitive.
  •  Register for direct payment or a debit card to get your weekly benefits more quickly and securely.

How Long Does it Take to Get Approved for Unemployment in Michigan?

People should anticipate their first payout around three weeks following the submission of their claim, but specifics may vary. After the person certifies, subsequent payments are issued every two weeks.

What If My Unemployment Application is Denied?

On the Monetary Determination form you’ll get after applying, there is a space for you to contest an unemployment claim rejection within 30 days of the mail date.

Additionally, instructions on how to submit your objection and start the Redetermination procedure are included on the form.

Although the upcoming months may be complex, receiving unemployment benefits can help.

See Also: How To Become A Private Investigator in Michigan In 2023 | Schools, Requirements

How Long Can I Collect Unemployment Benefits in Michigan?

Typically, you can get unemployment benefits for a total of 20 weeks; however, this limit increased between March 3 and April 18. Unless they find new employment, everybody is qualified for at least 14 weeks of unemployment.

FAQs – How to Apply for Unemployment in Michigan Online

Can you get unemployment if you were fired Michigan?

You might still be eligible for benefits even if you left your employment or were dismissed for improper behavior at work. Any week you get severance compensation might result in a reduction in your unemployment benefits. But if you and your employer agree differently, the severance payout may be distributed at your employer’s discretion.

Can I collect unemployment if I quit?

When “unsafe, unhealthful, or hazardous” working circumstances were so unbearable that you had “no option but to quit the employment,” you may be qualified to receive unemployment insurance payments, even though in most situations, you cannot freely leave a job and do so.

How does unemployment know when you are working?

All unemployment agencies use local, state, and federal resources to track new hires. It is best for you to report that you are returning to work right away to avoid the repercussions of an overpayment.

Conclusion

Using the guide outlined above, we recommend you apply for unemployment benefits in Michigan, especially if you meet the criteria. We hope this article provides all the help and answers you need.

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