• UIA OFFERS TIPS FOR CONTACTING THE AGENCY
Agency also answers some commonly asked questions

• File Unemployment Claim By Telephone
You can file for unemployment benefits by telephone from anywhere in Michigan or North America. The state's unemployment insurance program has established a special toll-free telephone number for you to use in filing a new claim or reopening an established claim.

• UIA Online Services for Unemployed Workers
UIA is offering new services to unemployed workers. You can sign up for a web account with UIA. The web account allows you to choose, or change, your payment method selection as well as view your benefit payment history. Soon, other services will be added.

• UIA Online Services for Employers
Employers can perform a variety of UIA functions and access UIA account information on-line. Click on the UIA Online Services for Employers link for access to the services. The online services are available from 7:00 a.m. Monday to 7:00 p.m. Saturday.

• File an Emergency Unemployment Compensation (Extension)
Emergency Unemployment Compensation (Extension)

• Emergency Unemployment Compensation, Fact Sheet 120 
The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program includes up to 20 weeks of federally-funded extended unemployment benefits in all states, and because of Michigan's high unemployment rate, a second tier of EUC, providing up to an additional 13 weeks of benefits, are payable in the state. Thus, Michigan's unemployed workers may receive up to 33 weeks of federally-funded EUC assistance.

• Solvency Tax Frequently Asked Questions 
A Solvency Tax for employers becomes effective Jan. 1, 2009. "Negative balance" employers are subject to the tax. Negative balance contributing employers have paid less into the unemployment compensation trust fund than the Unemployment Insurance Agency has paid out in unemployment benefits to their laid off workers. Here is a Solvency Tax Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) with details.

• Solvency Tax Fact Sheet 
The Michigan Employment Security Act requires a solvency tax to be imposed if, on the preceding June 30, the balance in the Trust Fund is less than the total amount of un-repaid federal loans. On June 30, 2008, the Trust Fund had $177 million in unpaid federal loans. Click the above link for more information.

• Information on extension of unemployment benefits
On November 21, 2008, the President signed into law another extension of unemployment benefits. It provides that unemployed workers already on the original extension, Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC), or who have exhausted EUC, may receive ... Details inside.

• Subscribe to the Michigan Employer Advisor Newsletter
We have stopped publishing the Michigan Employer Advisor newsletter on paper. Subscribe here to receive future editions of the Advisor electronically.

• Tax Teams Are Changing 
We want to service employers better! To improve efficiency, quality of work, and timeliness in processing your requests, the Agency is changing the way we service our employers. Currently, the Employer Tax Teams service your account based on the last three digits of your seven-digit Employer Account Number. Effective June 2, 2008, employers who call the Tax Office with questions, requests, or for other assistance will be serviced by the next available staff person in the area that handles the function.

• Electronic Payments
Unemployed workers in Michigan can stop looking for their unemployment checks to be in the mail. We now offer unemployed workers a choice between two new electronic options for receiving their unemployment benefits: either direct deposit into workers' bank or credit union account or by debit card. These new methods for delivering unemployment benefits are faster, more secure and more cost efficient than mailed paper checks. The debit card and direct deposit options are now offered to newly unemployed workers as they apply for unemployment benefits.

• Michigan Targets SUTA Dumping
Michigan's unemployment insurance program is starting to crack down on employers that are trying to reduce their high unemployment rates through various tax-avoidance practices. Known as SUTA (state unemployment tax act) dumping, these sophisticated shell games are costing Michigan's unemployment trust fund up to an estimated $95 million a year. Many of these unethical practices are already illegal.

• How to Inquire About Your Claim
If you have filed for unemployment benefits by Internet or telephone and have a question or problem with your claim, call our telephone filed claims number to inquire. The inquiry option is available weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Problem Resolution Offices - Need Help?
The UIA's six Problem Resolution Offices (PROs) resolve customer problems and provide access to automated resources. PROs provide telephones and computers for customers who may not have access to a computer or telephone to file their claim. They also provide in-person help for problems with claims. PROs are open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Eastern time) weekdays, except state holidays.