Michigan Unemployment Insurance Program

The Unemployment Insurance Agency or UIA serves as Michigan's source for unemployment insurance. To qualify, you must have worked during the past 12 to 18 months. You also need to be capable of working and looking for a job during each week you receive benefits.

Most full-time jobs in Michigan will have unemployment insurance, although seasonal and migrant workers usually qualify for insurance in the off-seasons of their career field. Contract workers and self-employed individuals, such as substitute teachers and freelance authors, do not qualify for Michigan unemployment insurance.

Michigan unemployment began in 1936, after The Michigan Employment Security Act helped lay the early groundwork for state benefits. This followed the passage of the 1933 Wagner-Peyser Act in 1933, the first national unemployment legislation. This created several taxes that made it possible for those who lost their jobs to receive some help.

Currently, the UIA creates and manages accounts for around 213,000 employers and 5,300 employees. It collects nearly $1.4 billion dollars a year to distribute among those in the state who need financial support as they search for a job.

Unemployment insurance is designed to pay a portion of your wage and keep you financially sound while you search for work. However, unemployment insurance and filing for unemployment can also help point you in the right direction for your career and give you the help you need to become successful and happy.