Filing an Unemployment Claim – Michigan

Please select a topic below:

1. Am I eligible to receive benefits?

You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must have earned sufficient wages in your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the start date of your claim, or alternatively the last 4 quarters). Also, you must be able and available for full-time work.

2. How do I apply for benefits in Michigan?

You can apply online.

3. How much will I receive?

Your weekly benefit amount will equal 4.1% of the highest quarter wages in the base period, plus $6 for each dependent claimed up to 5 dependents. See the Michigan website for more information on how to calculate your benefit amount.

4. How long will I receive these benefits?

You may receive benefits for between 14 and 20 weeks, depending on your base period wages. 

5. After I start receiving benefits, what do I have to do to remain eligible?

You must continue to file bi-weekly (every 2 weeks). You must register for work by filing a resume in the Michigan Talent Bank, and you must go to a Michigan Works! Service Center to verify this action. Also, you must continue to be able and available for full-time work. You must actively seek employment, while keeping a record of your work search activities using the Record of Work Search form. You must make two job contacts per week. Finally, you must accept suitable work.

6. I was turned down for benefits. How do I appeal this decision?
Visit the Michigan website for appeal information.
7. For more information on Michigan’s unemployment insurance laws:

Visit the State of Michigan Website