• 1099-G Statements Available Online
January 24, 2013 - With tax season approaching, the state of Michigan has begun making available year-end tax statements to anyone who has received unemployment benefits in 2012.

• Letter for Employers About 3% Non-reporting Penalty 
We have recently become aware of an issue that some employers are experiencing regarding the addition of a 3% penalty that is incorrectly reflected on some 2012 and 2013 unemployment insurance tax rates. We have received many phone calls regarding this issue in the last several weeks and want to take this moment to let you know how we are handling this situation.

• Notice of Work Search Requirement
Dear Customer:

For all claimants who begin a claim for benefits after January 6, 2013, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) requires a systematic and sustained work search for each week they claim unemployment benefits. As a claimant, you must report your record of work search at least once a month using one of the following methods:

•  Submit information on the UIA's Claim Portal, under UIA Online Services for Unemployed Workers,
•  Submit Form UIA 1583, Monthly Record of Work Search, via mail or fax, or
•  Appear at a Michigan Works Agency location to file a work search form.

• Update Regarding Federal Unemployment Extensions
Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) will be reduced by 10.7 percent as a result of federal budget cuts. For more information, please click here to visit the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Update area.

• File an EUC Extension
File an Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) claim.

•  Recent Changes to the State's Regular Unemployment Benefit Program  
Those who are newly unemployed may have questions regarding the state's regular unemployment benefits. Click here to review some general questions and answers regarding Michigan's unemployment insurance program.

• UIA Clarifies Recent Changes Made to Monthly Unemployment Benefit Notices
Click here to read a list of commonly asked questions regarding changes made to Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency's (UIA) monthly unemployment benefit notices. These questions provide general information about benefit overpayments, interest accruals and payment options. Questions regarding specific unemployment claims and available payment options should be directed to UIA at 1-800-638-6372.

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

• File an Unemployment Claim Online
File an unemployment claim using our convenient Internet Filed Claims service. The online application is available from 7:00 a.m. Monday to 7:00 p.m. Saturday.

• 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, use MARVIN Online, and view your benefit payment history. Soon, other services will be added.

• Certify with MARVIN Online
Unemployment workers can now complete their biweekly certification through MARVIN (Michigan's Automated Response Voice Interactive Network), instead of calling the toll-free MARVIN telephone number. Workers claiming unemployment benefits are required to certify with MARVIN every other week in order to receive their biweekly unemployment benefit payment.

• 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 24 hours, seven days per week.

• State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) E-Response
Employers can submit a response to requests for separation information through SIDES E-Response.

• Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) is live

Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) replaces Employer Web Account Manager (EWAM). A lot of information about this new system is available here for your convenience.

• New Legislative Update
On December 19, 2011, Governor Rick Snyder signed legislation strengthening the Michigan's unemployment insurance program. Additionally, on December 28, 2011, State Treasurer Andy Dillon and Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Steven Hilfinger announced the repayment of Michigan's $3.2 billion Unemployment Trust Fund balance to the U.S. Treasury. The repayment to the federal government was made possible through this week's sale of variable rate demand bonds by the Michigan Finance Authority.

• Detect Fraud, Prevent Fraud
Protecting the integrity of the unemployment insurance program is of the utmost importance to the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). You can also help in the campaign to stop fraud.

• Michigan Employer Advisor Winter 2013 

• Form UIA 1005, Registration for Client Level Reporting
Form UIA 1005, Registration for Client Level Reporting -- This form is for use by Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to register their clients in compliance with Section 13m of the MES Act (Public Act 383 of 2010). A form UIA 518, with Schedule A and Schedule B, should be completed for each client for whom a UIA employer account number is needed.

• Reference Guide: Services for Unemployed Workers 
This handy guide provides a list of important public, private and non-profit services contacts that may be helpful to Michigan's unemployed workers.

• Help for Unemployed Homeowners
Worried about foreclosure or struggling to keep up with mortgage payments? Help is available.

• Michigan Unemployment Tax Credit
Contributing employers with positive experience account balances can now apply for the Michigan tax credit. Details inside.

• Agency Webcasts
We have created many helpful video guides for our unemployed worker and employer customers, including a section on the Employer Web Account Manager. Some videos provide an overview of an agency program or service; others go into detail to help address your questions and concerns.

• Online Claim Filing Kit 
If you have lost your job and need to file for unemployment benefits, this Online Claim Filing Kit will help you with the filing process.

• 2012 Employer Seminars
The Unemployment Insurance Agency is offering free seminars to acquaint employers with the unemployment insurance system in Michigan and recent changes with the UIA.

• 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.

• 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 now available weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. (temporary extended hours), Eastern Time.

• Problem Resolution Offices - Need Help?
The UIA's permanent and temporary 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 4 p.m. Eastern time weekdays, except state holidays.