Michigan is moving unemployment services to a new online platform, creating a transition deadline for workers receiving benefits and employers that use the state system. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency plans to launch MiUI on Nov. 9, replacing the state’s existing online and telephone systems.
The change affects people who currently use the Michigan Web Account Manager, known as MiWAM, and the Michigan Automated Response Voice Interactive Network, or MARVIN. State officials describe MiUI as a single platform for unemployment-related functions, including benefit certifications and employer filings.
What workers need to do
Workers who use MiWAM have until 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 to certify their benefits in the existing system. Completing that step by the deadline will give the agency time to transfer historical and current account information to MiUI before the new platform opens.
“That’s a lot of information, historical and current information, that we need to transfer over from MiWAM into MiUI.” — Nick Assendelft, communications manager for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency
Nick Assendelft said people who enter their information before the deadline should see it on the new website when MiUI becomes available. Users who miss the deadline can enter their information after 8 a.m. on Nov. 9, according to the agency.
What employers need to know
Employers also have until 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 to access MiWAM and obtain an activation code for MiUI. The code will be used to activate an employer account on the new platform.
Employers use the system for several administrative tasks, including filing wage and tax reports and protesting benefit decisions. The agency said employers will need their own MiUI accounts for those processes after the transition.
- Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m.: deadline for workers to certify benefits in MiWAM and for employers to obtain an activation code.
- Nov. 9: MiUI launches and replaces MiWAM and MARVIN.
- Nov. 9 at 8 a.m.: users who missed the earlier deadline can enter their information in the new platform.
The agency has also created an online tutorial page to help users navigate the change. MiUI is replacing unemployment systems that have been in use for more than a decade, according to an Oct. 26 agency news release.
