New Michigan unemployment rule raises job search requirement

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Aug. 17, 2026, 6:06 a.m. ET
Michiganders who receive unemployment benefits must show that they're looking for work three times each week to continue getting the financial aid — up from once a week.
The new requirement kicked in July 19, as part of changes to Michigan's unemployment law. They are the "most significant updates to Michigan’s unemployment system in years," said Jason Palmer, director of the state's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA), in a news release. The agency paid roughly $106 million in benefits for the month of April, the latest figures show.
Here's what to know, according to the UIA:
What are the changes to unemployment benefits?
As of July 19, unemployed workers must report three work search activities each week to the UIA, unless they have a waiver. Work search activities include applying for jobs, going to job fairs, participating in job search workshops or creating a resume on a professional job site. The agency has a full list of such activities and examples of documents required to show proof of the activities. Go to bit.ly/UIAworkactivities.
If claimants don't log work search activities each week, they won't be paid benefits or may have to return them. For more detailed information about work searches, what they are, how to report them and waivers, go to bit.ly/UIAworksearch.
According to the UIA, other changes to employment law include: those leaving their job because of domestic violence may qualify for benefits (for more information, go to bit.ly/UIAdomesticviolence); a consolidated hearing process for appeal cases; up to four hardship waivers a year for those who were overpaid but can't afford to repay, and reduced employee hours to qualify for the Work Share program, which allows employers to retain employees at fewer hours while they get partial unemployment benefits to make up for lost income.
Legislation, signed in December 2024, increased maximum benefits from 20 to 26 weeks. The benefit rate will go up, Jan. 1, 2027, from $530 to $614. Starting Jan. 1, 2028 and onward, changes to the maximum weekly benefit rate will be tied to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index.
How to report work search activities?
Claimants can report work activities online through the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account. That's the easiest and fastest way, the UIA says. However, unemployed workers can also call the Michigan Automated Voice Interactive Network, or MARVIN, at 866-638-3993 (Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) during their designated day and time, which is based on the last two digits of their Social Security number. To report work activities, they must stay on the line for an agent.
"We are tracking claimant’s ability to comply with the new work search requirement, and our preliminary data indicates claimants have been successful in reporting their searches," said Nick Assendelft, communications manager for the UIA, in an email.
Where to go for more information and resources?
Go to Michigan.gov/UIA for more information and ways to contact the UIA. The customer service line is 866-500-0017.
Reach reporter Nushrat Rahman at nrahman@freepress.com.