Michigan Unemployment Contact Information

Michigan Unemployment Phone Numbers

When it comes to unemployment claims, it’s common to have questions or need assistance when applying for benefits and certifying biweekly. Fortunately, Michigan UIA staff are standing by, waiting for your phone call.

Information to have before you call

If you are looking to file a claim for Michigan unemployment benefits, you will need to gather a few things before calling the unemployment office.

For your initial application, you will need:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Driver’s License or State ID
• Full legal name
• Address
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Date of birth (DOB)

If you’re applying for the first time over the phone, you will also need 18 months of work history information including wages earned and employer information. Your wage information can be found on payroll forms like your W-2 or paycheck stubs.

Employer information includes the name of the business, address, and contact information. If you can locate the FEIN and EAN of these employers, that will speed up your application process. These numbers can be found on your W-2 in addition to your gross wages. You will also need to explain the reason for your termination or separation at each workplace.

If you are calling in to file your biweekly certification, you will need to report any earned income as well as your work search activities. For this reason and for resolving customer service issues, you will also need your Michigan Identification Number (MIN). This number is provided with all correspondence from the Michigan Department of Labor and Opportunity. This is the number you should use instead of your Social Security Number, for security reasons.

If you are going to use a phone for certification, you will need to also set up a PIN or Personal Identification Number. This 4 digit number cannot include identical digits or sequential numbers. If you forget or need to reset your pin, you can contact the unemployment office.

What is MARVIN?

MARVIN stands for Michigan’s Automated Response Voice Interactive Network. It allows you to file your certification over the phone. All you need to use MARVIN are your Social Security number and your PIN. You can call MARVIN toll free at 1-866-638-3993, Monday – Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

There are a few reasons why someone may not need to use MARVIN, such as being in an approved training or vocational rehabilitation program, claiming a flexible week, or being self employed and submitting a profit and loss statement. Contact the unemployment office at 1-866-500-0017 directly if these reasons apply to you, or if you are unsure of how to use MARVIN. Remember that you can also file benefits online using the MiWAM portal.

Schedule for Contacting MARVIN

The schedule for calling MARVIN is based on the last two digits of your Social Security number.

Michigan MARVIN

If callers cannot get through to MARVIN (Michigan’s Automated Response Voice Interactive Network) at their appointed day and time, they can call MARVIN on Thursday or Friday any time between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Michigan Unemployment Phone Numbers and Services

Unemployment Insurance Customer Service Line

Claimants of UI benefits can dial 1-866-500-0017, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Employers need to call a different number: 1-855-484-2636. Agents are available on this line Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

If you need someone who speaks Spanish, wait until you hear that option, in Spanish. If the operator determines you need a translator for a different language, they will connect you to one for further assistance. Hearing impaired individuals should access TTY services at 1-866-366-0004.

Scheduling a phone appointment

You can schedule an appointment online by filling out a request form. The date and time will be assigned to you, and it’s important to show up on time.

Fax Numbers

You can fax the unemployment office by sending documents to 517-636-0427. Fax appeals specifically to 616-356-0739. Be sure to include your name, MIN (Michigan Identification Number), signature, and date on everything you send.

Benefit Overpayments

For questions about a benefit overpayment (if applicable) contact the Benefit Overpayment Collection Unit by calling 1-866-500-0017. Hearing impaired customers who need TTY should call 1-866-366-0004. If you did not receive the correct amount of compensation, you can use the Michigan unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly benefit amount.

If your overpayment is potentially connected with a bankruptcy (and you can’t repay it), you may consider calling the Bankruptcy and FOC Unit at 1-866-500-0017. Note that TTY customers should call 1-866-366-0004.

 

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Michigan Unemployment Office Locations

Sometimes, it’s nice to go to a nearby UIA office or MichiganWorks! Location to speak to someone in person about your Michigan unemployment benefits. There are a number of brick and mortar unemployment offices where you can get help finding work, and get help with your UI application or bi-weekly certification.

Your local unemployment insurance office can provide in-person help to file a claim. You must make an appointment before visiting between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. To be more precise, 20-minute appointments are scheduled Monday through Thursday between 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM, and on Friday from the same opening time to 3:45 PM.

Telephones and computers are available for those without phone or internet access to file their initial application, access the Michigan unemployment calculator, submit their biweekly claim, and perform the required work search activities. There are a dozen unemployment offices around the state.

If you are visiting the unemployment office in person, be sure to have or know your Social Security Number (SSN), PIN for MARVIN, and Driver’s License (DL) or State ID number. If you’re not a U.S. Citizen, you will also need your Alien Registration Number and the expiration date of your work authorization. If you are representing someone collecting UI benefits, you must show proof of legal guardianship or Power of Attorney (POA).

Visit a UIA Office for help with your Michigan unemployment claim. By appointment only.

Michigan UIA Offices

Some issues cannot be resolved with an in-person meeting alone, and will need additional verification or research from the unemployment office. These issues include pending payments, non-monetary related determinations of eligibility, additional claims, or overpayments. Also, note that the unemployment office does not manage the unemployment debit card – that is managed by U.S. Bank, and you will need to call the back of this ReliaCard.

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MichiganWorks! Locations

For help with your job search and job search activities, you can also visit a Michigan Works Career Center. Meeting with MichiganWorks! staff in person or virtually is a requirement for collecting unemployment compensation. The staff will verify the job profile you create on the Pure Michigan Talent Connect website, which is another eligibility requirement.

MichiganWorks! staff members can help you search for jobs, build a resume, prepare for a job interview, and explore options for job training, continuing education, and vocational rehabilitation services. Both the unemployment office and Michigan Works encourage Michigan residents to schedule virtual appointments. Please do not visit an office in person if you are exhibiting cold or flu symptoms. Instead, please call one of the Michigan unemployment phone numbers.

You can get help looking for work and access a variety of job services at a MichiganWorks! location near you.

MichiganWorks! Office Locations