Unemployment Benefits (Michigan)
Last updated August 2026
Michigan unemployment pays up to $530 a week in 2026, plus $19.99 per dependent for up to five. Careful with the headlines: the $614 maximum starts January 1, 2027, not now; the 2024 law phases it in. Benefits run up to 26 weeks, restored from 20 in April 2025.
File online through MiWAM, reached from the state UIA site (michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/uia). A transition to a new system called MiUI is coming, so do not be surprised if the portal changes names mid-claim.
The rhythm: certify every two weeks, online through MiWAM or by phone through MARVIN at 1-866-638-3993 on your SSN-keyed schedule. And the work-search rule tripled in July 2026: at least 3 work-search activities every week, reported at certification, plus registration with Michigan Works.
Denied or docked? You get 30 days at each level, and the clock is strict: your protest or appeal must be RECEIVED within 30 days of the mail date. Since July 2026 you can also ask to consolidate multiple issues into a single hearing instead of attending several.
Customer service at 1-866-500-0017 runs long waits early in the week, by UIA's own admission; call Thursday or Friday, or use MiWAM chat. And stack the rest while you hunt: food assistance through MI Bridges, kids covered through Healthy Kids, 2-1-1 for local funds.
Phone 1-866-500-0017
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Enough recent work and wages in Michigan, and you lost the job through no fault of your own
- You must certify every two weeks and stay able, available, and looking for work while you claim
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
File through MiWAM from the state UIA site the week you lose work.
- 2
Register with Michigan Works and start logging work searches immediately.
- 3
Certify every two weeks: MiWAM online, or MARVIN at 1-866-638-3993 on your scheduled day.
- 4
Report at least 3 work-search activities per week at each certification; the old 1-per-week rule is gone.
- 5
Claim your dependents; each adds $19.99 a week, up to five.
- 6
Denied? File your protest so it is RECEIVED within 30 days of the mail date, and keep certifying meanwhile.
- 7
Need the phone? Call 1-866-500-0017 later in the week; UIA itself warns Mondays are jammed.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much is Michigan unemployment?
Up to $530 a week in 2026, plus $19.99 per dependent for up to five. The $614 figure in the news starts January 1, 2027, with dependents rising to $26.
How many weeks does Michigan pay?
Up to 26 weeks, restored from 20 by the 2024 law effective April 2025.
How do I certify?
Every two weeks through MiWAM online or MARVIN by phone at 1-866-638-3993, on a schedule keyed to your Social Security number.
What are the work search rules?
Since July 19, 2026: at least 3 work-search activities every week, reported at certification, plus Michigan Works registration. The old single-search rule is history.
How long do I have to appeal?
30 days at each level, and UIA must RECEIVE it within that window from the mail date. Since July 2026 you can consolidate multiple pending issues into one hearing before a judge.
Why can't I reach anyone on the phone?
Early-week volume; UIA recommends calling 1-866-500-0017 later in the week or using MiWAM chat.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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