Michigan Launches New MIUI Unemployment System After Shutdown

Michigan’s unemployment benefits are once again accessible following a week-long system shutdown. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) launched a new platform called MiUI on Monday, replacing the previous MiWAM system to provide faster mobile access and more frequent benefit payments.

The transition follows a period of downtime where the state’s previous system was taken offline to facilitate the transfer of claimant records and data to the modern interface. According to reporting from CBS News, the agency’s soft launch began Sunday, with user traffic increasing from hundreds of visitors to thousands by Monday morning.

UIA Director Jason Palmer noted that the shift aims to align state services with modern user expectations regarding speed and mobile compatibility.

Michigan launches new unemployment system, replacing 14-year-old platform

“We really wanted to bring our services to the modern time,” Palmer said. “People expect to be able to do things mobile. People expect to be able to do things quickly.”

How will payment schedules change?

Residents receiving assistance will now switch from a biweekly payment and certification cycle to a weekly one. While this change is intended to provide more regular cash flow to workers, it also requires more frequent interaction with the system.

Under the new MiUI platform, users can certify for benefits via computer or smartphone. Palmer stated that filing a claim on a phone is now faster than the previous method of calling the agency directly.

🚀Say hello to MiUI, our new unemployment system designed with YOU in mind! -Mobile‑friendly and easier to use -Streamlined navigation -Faster access to the info you need A better, more modern experience is coming your way on Nov. 9. Learn more at https://t.co/iSing19uMw pic.twitter.com/0nvVtJeqgS

— Post by @MichiganLEO on X

For those who were unable to access the system during last week’s outage, the agency has issued a grace period. While claimants might receive automated notices stating a filing is late, Palmer assured that the UIA team is working through those notices and that users will not face penalties for the downtime. He encouraged anyone who missed a deadline during the transition to complete their tasks immediately.

What are the new work search requirements?

While the software interface is changing, the underlying legal requirements for maintaining eligibility remain strict. According to information provided by michigan.gov, the state implemented significant changes to work search mandates earlier this year.

Michigan launches new system for unemployment claim filing

As of July 19, 2026, Michigan residents must complete at least three unique work searches every week to remain eligible for benefits. This is a notable increase from the previous requirement, which only mandated one work search activity per week. These activities must be reported during the weekly certification process to ensure benefits are processed.

The following table outlines the shift in requirements and the new platform structure:

What to know about Michigan's new unemployment benefit system

Feature/Requirement	Previous System (MiWAM)	New System (MiUI)
Certification Frequency	Biweekly	Weekly
Primary Access Method	Phone/Computer	Mobile-optimized/Computer

Failure to submit these completed work search activities during the weekly certification window will result in a halt to benefit payments, the state agency noted.

How do I access my existing claim?

Existing claimants do not need to restart the application process from scratch. The UIA confirmed that all current records were transferred to the MiUI platform during the week-long outage.

Michigan's new unemployment benefits site rolls out

Users can log in to the new system through the official Michigan.gov/UIA portal using their existing MiLogin credentials. The agency is providing tutorials and assistance through local UIA offices and online resources for those who have difficulty using the new digital interface.

The agency intends to increase fraud prevention efforts and improve the user experience with this rollout. As the transition concludes, the focus for the UIA will shift toward managing the increased volume of weekly certifications and ensuring the stability of the new digital infrastructure.