Michigan Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

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Looking for tips to access the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Michigan Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is in charge of administering the state’s unemployment insurance program. 

Unemployment benefits in Michigan give temporary financial assistance to people who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own. Claimants who are successful must additionally fulfill Michigan’s extra qualifying standards.

Unemployment benefits are meant to help unemployed people get by while they hunt for new jobs. This unemployment assistance aids Michigan employees and their families, as well as the state’s general economy, by reducing the negative effects of lost earnings.

Employers in Michigan contribute to the state’s unemployment insurance benefits program, which is held in Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. As needed, unemployment payments are drawn from this fund.

Image: Official Michigan Unemployment Website

Michigan Unemployment Contact 

FOR CLAIMANTS 

  • Call: 1-866-500-0017
  • Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

FOR EMPLOYERS 

  • Call: 1-855-484-2636
  • Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TTY service 

  • Call:1-866-366-0004

FAX

  • FAX  protests or other correspondence to: 517-636-0427;
  • Fax appeals: 616-356-0739. 
  • Please include your name, Michigan Identification Number (MIN), signature and date on all correspondence.

MAIL

Protests only: 

  • Unemployment Insurance Agency,
  • P.O. Box 169, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0169

Appeals only: 

  • Unemployment Insurance Agency, 
  • P.O. Box 124, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-0124

How To Qualify for Michigan Unemployment Benefits

Michigan residents who wish to receive UI benefits must meet each of the following criteria:

  • Are jobless due to no fault of their own
  • Have worked in Michigan for the previous 12 months
  • Have earned the minimum wage set by Michigan.
  • Are available and able to accept acceptable work if and when it is given 
  • Are actively seeking employment during each week for which benefits are requested are available 

An initial unemployment claim must be submitted and reviewed before a final determination can be made, so you should submit your initial unemployment claim as soon as possible after you lose your job. 

The best thing you can do if you aren’t sure whether you meet the above criteria is to apply anyway so you can find out for certain.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Michigan? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 14-20 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $150 to Max $362
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $7,240

How Do I Apply for Michigan Unemployment Benefits?

All claimants are highly encouraged to make their first claims online, since it is the simplest and most expedient method. You may apply online at any time, and the entire procedure should take around 45 minutes.

How do I Manage My Michigan Unemployment Benefits

You’ll need to submit a weekly certification, which you may do online, for each week you want to earn UI benefits. This certification merely states that your job search actions over the previous week qualified you for a weekly benefit amount.

Prepare to answer questions regarding the steps you took to find a job and whether or not you are still able and willing to work. Report any earnings and employment offers you’ve received.

How Do I Appeal a Michigan Unemployment Decision?

If you disagree with a decision made about your new claim, you can file a formal protest and request that the state reconsider your unemployment claim. A protest can be filed by both the claimant and the employer in Michigan. You can do so by logging in to the online account you made earlier in the process.

Simply follow the instructions below to file an appeal:

  • Select the benefit year’s claim ID from the drop-down menu.
  • Select Determination Status, then File a Protest or File an Appeal for the decision you want to challenge.
  • Fill up all essential fields and then use the “Add” function to add any supporting material or proof to your official protest.

When your protest is received, you will receive information about an appeals hearing. In order to change the outcome of your unemployment insurance claim, you must participate in this hearing.

You can request Advocacy Assistance through your existing online account or by calling 800-638-3994 and selecting option 2 from the automated menu.

How Do I Report a Michigan Unemployment Fraud?

Unemployment fraud, including identity theft, is a significant criminal act that jeopardizes Michigan’s unemployment insurance program’s integrity. Jobless benefits may be kept out of the hands of people who need them the most due to fraudulent claims. 

You can report fraud online or contact the UIA Customer Service Hotline at 866-500-0017 if you suspect someone of exploiting Michigan’s unemployment insurance program.

What if I quit?

In most cases, you are not eligible if you voluntarily leave your work.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes a good cause, and you can make your case for receiving benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because policies and terms differ from state to state.


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Michigan Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Michigan Unemployment  OfficeMichigan Unemployment Office LocationsMichigan Unemployment Phone Number
Lenawee Unemployment Office1040 South Winter StSuite 1014Adrian, MI 49221517-266-5627
Unemployment Office – Allegan County3255 122nd AvenueSuite 101Allegan, MI 49010269-686-5079
Unemployment Office – Alma327 East Center StreetAlma, MI 48801989-466-4832
Alpena County Unemployment Office315 West ChisholmAlpena, MI 49707989-356-3339
Huron County Unemployment Office614 N Port CrescentBad Axe, MI 48413989-269-2311
Lake County Unemployment Office5252 M-37Baldwin, MI 49304231-745-2703
Battle Creek Unemployment Office200 West Van Buren StBattle Creek, MI 49017269-660-1412
Unemployment Office – Bay County4061 N EuclidNorth Pointe PlazaBay City, MI 48706989-667-0500
Unemployment Office – Benton Harbor499 West Main StreetBenton Harbor, MI 49022800-285-WORKS
Gogebic County Unemployment Office100 South Mill St.Bessemer, MI 49911906-932-4059
Big Rapids Unemployment Office14330 Northland DriveBig Rapids, MI 49307231-796-0049
Unemployment Office – Wexford County401 North Lake StreetSuite 700Cadillac, MI 49601231-775-3408
Tuscola County Unemployment Office1184 Cleaver RoadCaro, MI 48723989-673-8103
Unemployment Office – Eaton County945 Reynolds RoadCharlotte, MI 48813517-816-6980
Cheboygan Unemployment Office11153 N Straits HwyCheboygan, MI 49721231-627-4303
Unemployment Office – Clinton Township43630 Hayes Road Suite 100Clinton Township, MI 48038586-263-1501
Coldwater Unemployment Office210 Vista DriveColdwater, MI 49036517-278-0200
Dearborn Unemployment Office6451 Schaefer RoadDearborn, MI 48126313-945-8159
Detroit Employment Solutions9301 Michigan AvenueDetroit, MI 48210313-962-9675
Unemployment Office – Detroit5555 Conner AvenueDetroit, MI 48213313-963-9675
Iosco County Unemployment Office1230 East US 23East Tawas, MI 48730989-362-6407
Delta County Unemployment Office2950 College AvenueEscanaba, MI 49829906-789-9732
Genesee County Unemployment Office711 N Saginaw StreetSuite 300Flint, MI 48503810-233-5974
Otsego Unemployment Office2927 D & M DriveGaylord, MI 49735989-732-3886
Gladwin County Unemployment Office110 Buckeye StreetGladwin, MI 48624989-426-8571
Unemployment Office – Franklin121 Franklin SESuite 120Grand Rapids, MI 49507616-336-4040
Unemployment Office – Grand Rapids215 Straight Ave NWGrand Rapids, MI 49504616-336-4460
Crawford Unemployment Office4595 Salling DriveGrayling, MI 49738989-348-8709
West Montcalm Unemployment Office114 South Greenville West DrGreenville, MI 48838616-754-3611
Grosse Pointe Unemployment Office17888 Mack AveGrosse Pointe, MI 48230313-343-5617
Houghton County Unemployment Office400 Quincy Street3rd FloorHancock, MI 49930906-482-6916
Clare County Unemployment Office402 N First StreetHarrison, MI 48625989-539-2173
Unemployment Office – Barry County130 E. State St.Suite AHastings, MI 49058616-649-9850
Highland Park Unemployment Office144 E Manchester StreetHighland Park, MI 48203313-826-0299
Hillsdale Unemployment Office21 Care DriveHillsdale, MI 49242517-437-3381
Unemployment Office – Ottawa County121 Clover StreetHolland, MI 49423616-396-2154
Livingston Unemployment Office1240 Packard DriveHowell, MI 48843517-546-7450
Ionia Unemployment Office301 W Main StIonia, MI 48846616-389-8525
Dickinson County Unemployment Office127 South Stephenson AveSuite 211Iron Mountain, MI 49801906-774-3647
Iron County Unemployment Office305 West Genesee StreetIron River, MI 49935906-265-0532
Jackson Unemployment Office209 East Washington AvenueSuite 100Jackson, MI 49201517-841-5627
Kalamazoo Unemployment Office1601 South Burdick StreetKalamazoo, MI 49001-4614269-383-2536
Kalkaska Unemployment Office103 Third StreetKalkaska, MI 49646231-258-8889
Baraga County Unemployment Office2 South Main StreetSuite AL`Anse, MI 49946906-523-1072
Unemployment Office – Lansing2110 South Cedar StreetLansing, MI 48910517-492-5500
Lapeer County Unemployment Office550 Lake DrivePO Box 600Lapeer, MI 48446810-664-1680
Alcona Unemployment Office202 South 2nd StreetSuite B; PO Box 316Lincoln, MI 48742989-736-6082
Livonia  Unemployment Office30246 Plymouth RoadLivonia, MI 48150734-513-4900
Mason County Unemployment Office920 E. Tinkham Ave.Ludington, MI 49431231-843-2563
Manistee Unemployment Office400 River StreetManistee, MI 49660231-723-2535
Unemployment Office – Manistique300 Walnut StreetRoom 264Manistique, MI 49854906-586-4255
Marquette County Unemployment Office1498 O`Dovero DrMarquette, MI 49855906-228-3075
Menominee County  Unemployment Office461 1st StreetMenominee, MI 49858906-482-7206
Unemployment Office Midland County1409 WashingtonMidland, MI 48640989-631-3073
Oscoda County Unemployment Office1329 S Mount Tom RoadMio, MI 48647989-826-6107
Monroe  Unemployment Office1531 North Telegraph RoadSuite DMonroe, MI 48162734-240-7950
Unemployment Office – Mt. Clemens75 North River RoadMt. Clemens, MI 48043586-783-8700
Isabella Unemployment Office5889 East BroadwayMt. Pleasant, MI 48858989-772-5304
Alger County Unemployment Office413 Maple StreetSuite 6, Room 101Munising, MI 49862906-586-4255
Unemployment Office – Muskegon316 Morris AvenueSuite 100Muskegon, MI 49440231-724-6381
Newaygo County Unemployment Office9075 S. Mason Dr.Newaygo, MI 49337231-924-3230
Luce County Unemployment Office501 West Harrie StreetNewberry, MI 49868906-293-8551
Oakland County Unemployment Office31186 Beck RoadNovi, MI 48377248-926-1820
Unemployment Office – Oak Park22180 ParklawnOak Park, MI 48237248-691-8437
Isle County Unemployment Office20709 State StreetPO Box 711Onaway, MI 49765989-733-8548
Ontonagon County  Unemployment Office429 River StreetOntonagon, MI 49953906-813-0627
Shiawassee Unemployment Office1975 West Main Street2nd FloorOwosso, MI 48867989-729-9599
Paw Paw Unemployment Office32849 Red Arrow HighwaySuite 100Paw Paw, MI 49079269-657-7014
Petoskey Unemployment Office2240 Mitchell Park Dr.Suite BPetoskey, MI 49770231-347-5150
Oakland County Unemployment Office1850 North PerryPontiac, MI 48340248-276-1777
Port Huron Unemployment Office100 McMorran6th FloorPort Huron, MI 48060810-966-3300
Roscommon County Unemployment Office1015 Short StreetSuite 2Prudenville, MI 48651989-366-8660
Osceola Unemployment Office240 East Church AvenueReed City, MI 49677231-832-3131
Unemployment Office – North Kent10075 Northland Dr. NERockford, MI 49341616-228-6724
Unemployment Office – Roseville15950 Twelve Mile RoadRoseville, MI 48066586-447-9200
Unemployment Office – Saginaw312 E GeneseeSaginaw, MI 48607989-752-3145
Sanilac County Unemployment Office575 W Sanilac RoadPO Box 147Sandusky, MI 48471810-648-5800
Chippewa County Unemployment Office1118 East Easterday AveSault Ste. Marie, MI 49783906-635-1752
Unemployment Office – Shelby195 North Michigan AvenueShelby, MI 49455231-259-2000
Unemployment Office – Southfield21415 Civic Center Dr.Suite 116Southfield, MI 48076248-796-4580
Unemployment Office – Southgate15100 Northline RoadSouthgate, MI 48195734-362-3466
Mackinac County Unemployment Office10 North State StreetSuite 102St. Ignace, MI 49781906-643-8158
Clinton County Unemployment Office101 West Cass StreetSuite ASt. Johns, MI 48879989-224-2000
Arenac County Unemployment Office4480 West M-61Standish, MI 48658989-846-2111
Unemployment Office – Three Rivers16587 Enterprise DriveThree Rivers, MI 49093269-273-2717
Traverse City Unemployment Office1209 South Garfield AveSuite CTraverse City, MI 49686231-922-3700
Unemployment Office – Troy550 Stephenson HighwaySuite 400Troy, MI 48083248-823-5101
Unemployment Office – Warren27850 Van Dyke AvenueWarren, MI 48093-7220586-574-2170
Unemployment Office – Waterford7500 Highland RoadWaterford, MI 48327248-617-3600
Wayne Unemployment Office35731 West Michigan AveWayne, MI 48184734-858-4284
Ogemaw County Unemployment Office2389 South M-76West Branch, MI 48661989-345-1090
Unemployment Office – Ypsilanti304 Harriet StreetYpsilanti, MI 48197734-714-9814

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

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Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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