Get Ready for MiUI: New system brings modern unemployment experience for workers and employers

State to launch transformation of the unemployment system on Nov. 9

MiUI will serve as the streamlined online experience for unemployed workers filing for benefits and for employers and third-party administrators (TPAs) managing tax and benefits functions. The result of a five-year journey shaped by stakeholder collaboration and feedback, MiUI's launch marks a significant step in UIA's ongoing efforts to modernize Michigan's unemployment system and improve customer service.

"Michiganders deserve an easier, more intuitive way to manage their unemployment claims and the ability to access their accounts from a mobile phone or any device," said UIA Director Jason Palmer. "MiUI is modern, user-friendly, convenient to access any day or time, and features plain language that spells out clear expectations, reducing the chance for errors. With MiUI, routine tasks can be done much faster online. We're excited to bring this transformative technology to the workers and employers we serve."

MiUI replaces the 14-year-old Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) and creates a single, modern platform for every unemployment function. Employers and third-party administrators have been using MiUI for tax functions since February, and on Nov. 9 all users will fully transition to MiUI for both tax and benefits functions, aligning Michigan's entire unemployment system on one streamlined platform.

With the expanded digital access of MiUI, several phone-based services will be discontinued, including the Michigan Automated Response Voice Interactive Network (MARVIN) for certification and calling UIA to file a new claim by phone. More tools available online and on mobile devices means users will be able to complete their unemployment tasks more quickly and conveniently. UIA will continue to offer many other public-focused resources, such as walk-in visits to Local Offices with self-serve kiosks, language assistance, and Customer Service phone staff who can help with issues that need focused attention.

"MiUI represents a major investment in serving Michigan workers and employers," Palmer said. "Having the right tools in place helps everyone navigate the process smoothly, using technology to do what it does best, so our team can do what it does best: serving people across the state."

"MiUI reflects five years of intentional collaboration. UIA brought state departments, workforce organizations, nonprofits, and community partners to the table to shape a platform that is truly built around Michigan users," said Kimberly Way, Chief Experience Officer at Michigan Works! Association. "A mobile-friendly system with clear navigation and plain-language guidance grounded in real-world experience creates a more seamless path from claim to career. Michigan Works! will continue to work alongside job seekers as they navigate the transition to MiUI. A unified, user-friendly unemployment system supports faster reconnection to employment and a stronger, more resilient Michigan economy."

"Working closely with the UIA has been essential to ensuring that the needs of working men and women in the building trades were reflected in this transition," said Steve Claywell, Secretary-Treasurer of the Michigan Building Trades Council. "The new MiUI system will make it easier for union trades workers to navigate the unemployment claims process as they move between jobsites, even as new work search requirements take effect. This modernization is an important step toward making sure all eligible workers can access the benefits they have earned. I'm confident the improvements made throughout this process will strengthen the state's ability to deliver timely benefits to workers when they need them most."

A modern experience built for Michigan users

For the first time, Michigan's unemployment system will be fully mobile-friendly. With MiUI, users will be able to easily log in with their State of Michigan MiLogin account, complete certifications, submit work searches, and manage their accounts from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. The new system ushers in weekly certifications and weekly benefit payments, a change from the current biweekly schedule in MiWAM.

MiUI also introduces clearer navigation and an intuitive design that gives workers greater control and visibility over their claims. Improved guidance and a user-friendly layout help reduce confusion and support more accurate task completion. The new system also builds on the agency's robust anti-fraud protections, strengthening UIA's ability to safeguard unemployment benefits and taxes. Updated, plain-language forms and correspondence make information easier to understand and act upon.

Together, these improvements deliver a consistent, customer-friendly interface that reflects the kind of online experience people expect today.

For more details on the launch, what to expect during the transition period, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit Michigan.gov/ReadyforMiUI.

How to prepare for the transition

The transition to MiUI from MiWAM will require a Downtime Period beginning 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. During this period, all UIA systems, phone lines, and Local Offices will be closed. At the same time, MiWAM and MARVIN will be permanently discontinued.

Workers should certify for benefits before 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, regardless of their assigned day or time that week. Workers who miss a certification can certify for past weeks, including the week MiWAM was unavailable during Downtime, after MiUI launches.

During the Downtime Period, mail and faxes will be received as usual, and the Michigan.gov/UIA website and chatbot can still be used. The Downtime Period will end with the launch of MiUI at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9.

To help prepare for MiUI, UIA encourages unemployed workers, employers, and third-party administrators to explore MiUI University, the primary online information hub for the new system with step-by-step instructions for logging in, completing certifications, managing claims, and more.

Users are strongly encouraged to become familiar with MiUI before the transition to ensure they are ready to file and certify in the new system and avoid delays in benefit payments.

Need help with a claim or have questions?

Meet with us: Schedule an in-person, phone, or virtual meeting at Michigan.gov/UIA, or walk into a Local Office.

Ask online: UIA's chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA can answer many questions.

Search online: FAQs, videos, toolkits, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA.