Michigan's unemployment system is changing, along with some of the rules for anyone collecting benefits. The timing lands right when a lot of green industry companies are planning winter layoffs.
We read through the state's own sources so you don't have to. Here's what changed, the one deadline that matters next week, four things to do before your layoffs, and a one-page sheet you can hand your crew.
The state's unemployment system goes dark for a week.
Michigan is replacing MiWAM with a new system, MiUI. Anyone on your team who's collecting benefits should certify before 4:30 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 2, even if it isn't their usual day.
What happens Nov. 2 to Nov. 9
- Before 4:30 p.m. ET Monday, Nov. 2: anyone collecting benefits should certify in MiWAM, even if it isn't their usual certification day.
- During the shutdown: the system and the UIA phone line are closed. Work searches still count, so your people should keep doing them.
- Once MiUI opens: anyone who missed a certification submits it then. From Nov. 9 on, certifying happens every week instead of every two weeks.
What changed, at a glance
The new work search rule, in plain terms
This is the change most likely to catch your crew off guard. Unless they have an approved work search waiver, anyone collecting benefits has to complete and report at least 3 different work search activities every week. Miss the 3, and that week isn't paid.
- ✓Applying for a job or interviewing
- ✓Going to a job fair
- ✓A job search workshop or job-related skills course
- ✓Registering with an employment agency or recruiter
- ✕Only browsing job listings
- ✕Only asking whether someone is hiring
- ✕Reapplying to the same job with the same employer within 4 weeks
UIA lists more options on its site. Your people should keep proof of each activity, like confirmation emails or screenshots.
Before your layoffs: 4 steps
Back within 45 days? Request a waiver early.
Employees you'll recall within 45 days may qualify for a UIA-approved work search waiver. Request it no later than the week before the layoff. If it's approved, the employee's Monetary Determination letter will say so. A longer winter layoff generally won't qualify, so plan on the weekly rule applying to most of your crew.
Hand out the UIA 1711 notice.
It's already required at separation, and it gives your people the employer details they need to file correctly the first time. Get the UIA 1711 form.
Check your MiUI access before Nov. 9.
MiUI is where you'll respond to unemployment claims. Confirm your company's account is active and that anyone who handles claims for you, like a payroll provider, has access. Without it, you could miss the chance to protest a charge.
MNLA members: ask about Project PLaNT.
MNLA says its Project PLaNT online training, free for members and their employees, counts as a work search activity. Check with MNLA on how it works under the 3-per-week rule and how to report it in MiUI.
A one-page sheet for your crew
We put it together to help. It covers filing and registering, reporting earnings, the weekly work search rule, the Nov. 2 to Nov. 9 shutdown, and where to get help. Print it with your layoff paperwork or text it to your crew.
Download the crew sheetWe'll post a short update once MiUI is live. Questions about any of this? Contact us and our team will try to help.
Facts current as of Oct. 27, 2026, from Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency and the Michigan Employment Security Act. Rules and dates can change, so always go by what UIA tells you. This isn't legal advice. Sources: UIA law changes, MiUI launch overview, UIA FAQ for employees.
