State unemployment offices in Michigan will be closed on December 24 and 25 due to the Christmas holiday, but individuals seeking unemployment assistance can still access essential services online. The Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) encourages claimants to use the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM), which remains accessible 24/7, to file claims or certify work searches during the closure. Instructions are available through the UIA Claimant Roadmap at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap.
While MiWAM remains fully operational, the automated phone system MARVIN will be unavailable on those days and will resume service on December 26. Workers must report their employment status biweekly to remain eligible for benefits. Due to the two-day closure, there may be minor delays in benefit deposits to bank accounts or U.S. Bank debit cards.
The agency’s AI-powered chatbot will continue to provide immediate responses to general inquiries throughout the holiday period. Users can access it via desktop or mobile devices at Michigan.gov/UIA. Additional support resources include instructional videos on YouTube, online coaching sessions covering topics like initial claims and appeals, and a calendar for scheduling virtual or in-person appointments up to two weeks in advance.
The UIA’s 12 local offices, customer service hotline (1-866-500-0017), and employer ombudsman line (1-855-484-2636, Option 4) will resume operations on Friday, December 26.
Other tools available include the UIA Economic Dashboard for tracking regional and statewide unemployment trends, MiUI University for updates on the upcoming modernized claims system launching in summer 2026, and the Advocacy Program, which offers free legal support for appeal cases. Federal workers affected by layoffs can find targeted assistance at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.
For direct help, users can engage in live chat via MiWAM Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or schedule a meeting through the agency’s online portal.
— news from State of Michigan (.gov)
— News Original —
Access UIA’s online resources over Christmas holidays
State offices will be closed Dec. 24 and 25
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) offices will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but unemployed workers can still certify work searches online, access many helpful web-based resources, or ask UIA’s chatbot for answers to general questions about unemployment.
The Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) can be used to file claims — following the steps in the UIA Claimant Roadmap – or certify work searches when state offices are closed Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 25. MiWAM is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when UIA offices are closed. Log in at Michigan.gov/UIA.
Using MiWAM to apply for benefits and certify work searches is the quickest and most efficient way to complete the benefits process.
Certifying by phone using the Michigan Automated Voice Interactive Network (MARVIN) will not be possible when UIA offices are closed. MARVIN will be available again on Friday, Dec. 26. To collect benefits, workers must report their job status and whether they meet work eligibility requirements every two weeks.
With the two-day closure of UIA offices there may be a slight delay in unemployment benefits being deposited into bank accounts or added to U.S. Bank debit cards.
UIA’s artificial intelligence-powered chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA will be available 24 hours a day during the two-day holiday period for quick and accurate responses to general questions. Unemployed workers and employers can access the chatbot using either a desktop or mobile device.
The UIA’s 12 Local Offices, Customer Service hotline at 1-866-500-0017, and the Office of Employer Ombudsman phone line at 1-855-484-2636, Option 4, will be available again to serve Michigan residents and employers on Friday, Dec. 26.
Helpful resources for workers
Any time UIA offices are closed, unemployed workers can access these resources that establish UIA as a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service:
The UIA Claimant Roadmap, a six-step, user-friendly guide to applying for and understanding benefits. Access the roadmap at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap.
A list of Online Coaching Sessions, which are web-based group sessions led by UIA staff on topics such as filing a first-time claim, understanding a Monetary Determination letter, the protest and appeals process, overpayment collections, and seeking work and registration requirements. The First-time Filer Coaching Session is also available in Spanish.
A calendar of available phone, virtual, or in-person appointments that can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance at Michigan.gov/UIA.
Michigan.gov/UIA, which provides answers to frequently asked questions, toolkits, detailed information, and other resources.
A library of helpful instructional videos on YouTube.
A comprehensive list of resources for federal workers who have been laid off or terminated at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.
The Advocacy Program, which provides free legal help with appeals of UIA redeterminations.
The UIA Economic Dashboard, which tracks local and statewide trends in unemployment insurance at Michigan.gov/UIAEconomicDashboard.
MiUI University, to learn more about UIA’s upcoming new, modern MiUI computer system available to all users in Summer 2026. MiUI will be easy to use, speed claims processing, and build on the agency’s aggressive anti-fraud tactics. It also will include plain language forms and correspondence for easier understanding of expectations.
Need help or have questions about a claim?
Ask online: UIA’s chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA can answer many questions.
Search online: FAQs, videos, toolkits, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA.
Chat with us: Available through MiWAM Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Meet with us: Schedule an in-person, phone, or virtual meeting at Michigan.gov/UIA.