Michigan Unemployment Insurance Assistance Customer Service Issues

I haven't received any payments at all. In March [redacted], I reached out to Congressman Mitchell's office via email and spoke with Lauren on September 22. I provided all the necessary information. On December 6, I contacted Governor Whitmer again. Every time I call, I am told my case is under review. I am frustrated by the lengthy delay. I comprehend that there is a high volume of individuals seeking unemployment benefits due to reduced work hours, but the extended wait is challenging. How are we expected to cover our expenses in the meantime?

In December [redacted], a stop payment indicator appeared on my claim dating back to February, despite being approved for 39 weeks of PUA in July. Though I received four payments in August, no further payments have been made, and my account simply shows "pending payment" on MIWAM. I received a notice to verify my payment info, but I couldn't find where to do so online as MIWAM doesn't provide direct deposit details for PUA. It's now December, and after being approved in July (retroactive to February) with only four payments in August, I'm unsure of what steps to take next. Due to this situation, I've become homeless, had to sell most of my belongings, and am without reliable transportation. I'm even considering giving up my dog so he can be cared for. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Sam.

I am having trouble setting up my UI employer account. When I try to link it, I get an error stating that the UI account associated with the FEIN # cannot be reinstated as it is already active, terminated for over a year, or doesn't exist. The message advises me to contact UI tax status at [redacted]. However, when I call this number, it prompts me for an account number that I don't have, leading to the call being disconnected. Despite contacting multiple numbers, I have not been able to get assistance. Each time I call, I am provided with another phone number that doesn't resolve my issue. My business name is Quinns Catering and the FEIN is 27-[redacted].

I have been attempting to reach a customer service representative for nearly two weeks now with no success. I am unable to access my account, which is causing me significant distress as a mother of three young children and currently pregnant. This situation is jeopardizing my ability to work and potentially my housing situation. I previously used my old phone number for account verification, but I have since changed it due to safety concerns related to my abusive ex-boyfriend who is stalking me. My new phone number is [redacted]. I would like to update my authentication email to [redacted] since I did not use one previously. I urgently need assistance with resolving this issue. Thank you.

Hello, I am Theodore Lehigh. Initially, everything was going well with my PUA unemployment payments until I submitted my identity verification information. Since then, my payments have suddenly stopped. Despite contacting unemployment multiple times, I have been informed that they have received my verification details and that I need to continue waiting. It has now been 6 months of waiting with no resolution. My claim number is C[redacted]-0. Thank you for your assistance.

Hello, I'm Theodore Lehigh. I successfully applied for PUA unemployment benefits and everything was going smoothly until I submitted my identity verification. Since then, my payments have suddenly stopped. Despite contacting unemployment multiple times, all I get is that they have my verification information and to continue waiting. It has been 6 long months of waiting without any resolution. My claim number is C[redacted]-0. I appreciate your time.

About a month ago, I contacted the unemployment agency regarding my request to review my file. It is asking me to refund the money I received, and I believe this is due to changes in the questions on the claims after the pandemic. I struggled to understand the new questions related to COVID-19 without assistance, which led me to provide incorrect answers weekly. Despite my efforts to explain my situation before speaking with an agent, I did not receive much help. Finally, I managed to speak with an agent on the phone about reversing the payments. They mentioned my case would be investigated, yet I never received an update. I recently received a letter about the payments and urgently need assistance. I did not work during the time I received unemployment benefits, making it impossible for me to repay the funds as requested.

My account has been inaccessible for a few weeks now, and despite trying to reach out multiple times daily, I have been unable to get any assistance. It is vital for me to regain access to my account to prevent financial hardship. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

My name is Kenyetta E., and my address is [redacted] Bishop St., Detroit, MI [redacted]. My phone number is [redacted]. I have been in touch with several unemployment agents to address my concerns. They mentioned sending an identity verification letter, but I have not received it. Despite providing photos with my ID and signed social security card, along with a statement confirming my claim, the issue persists. Another letter was said to be sent this Tuesday, yet it hasn't arrived either. If the second letter does not reach me by next week, I am unsure of the next steps to take. The delay in receiving these letters is holding up my claim, and I am eager to resolve this matter promptly.

I enrolled in unemployment late, but have claimed weeks dating back to February since I have been jobless since [redacted]. Initially, everything went smoothly, and I received one payment. However, I have not received any payments since. From February [redacted] to February [redacted], I have only received one payment, as the rest are still processing. In August, I contacted unemployment, and they requested identity verification. It took months to successfully upload my documents due to technical issues, but I am still awaiting payments. I qualify for both PUA's, but I am unable to reach an online agent or by phone, regardless of the time I try to contact them. Despite following their instructions, I have not received any further payments. Contacting the unemployment agency has been impossible, and I am considering legal action as I am at a loss for what to do next.

I received PUA unemployment for three weeks in April [redacted] but did not receive these payments until October 30, [redacted]. I started a new job in August [redacted]. On November 9, [redacted], I fell ill with a lower intestinal issue followed by an upper respiratory problem over the Thanksgiving weekend. Despite negative COVID test results and ongoing health issues, I encountered difficulties returning to work and ultimately was let go by my employer on December 16, [redacted]. I have been struggling financially, needing to borrow money from family and friends, and have even received government assistance. I have applied for unemployment benefits and was informed that I qualify for reinstatement of PUA but cannot receive them until a review of my regular UIA claim is completed. This delay is causing significant financial hardship, including the threat of eviction. I need assistance to resolve this situation promptly. Thank you, Paula O.

My name is Kaylea Copenhaver. You can reach me at the phone number [redacted] or via email at [redacted] or [redacted] I have yet to receive my payment after 11 weeks, and I am very frustrated. I urgently need this matter resolved before I escalate it to your supervisors. This situation is causing me extreme stress as I am at risk of losing my home. I insist on speaking to someone today. My contact number again is [redacted]. To address this issue, please promptly release the payment owed to me to avoid further escalation to your superiors. I am deeply disappointed in the level of service I have received and the numerous complaints you are receiving. It is imperative that you rectify this immediately.

Someone has fraudulently created a MIWAM account using my social security number. The identity theft investigation resolved the case, and the fraudulent account remains with another person's name linked to my SS number. I can access the MIWAM account, but I still cannot link my legitimate MiLogin account due to my SS number being in use. I need assistance deleting the fraudulent account and verifying my identity to properly create a MIWAM account linked to my existing MiLogin.

I applied for unemployment benefits on Jan 29, and despite providing all the necessary information and being told it's urgent, I haven't received any payment. I've been calling the unemployment office daily for four weeks, but they keep saying it's a system issue and I have to wait. I even contacted the governor's office for help. My bills are piling up, and my power will be shut off if I don't pay $[redacted] by the 22nd, even with assistance from DHS. Each time I call, I hear different things. Today, the person I spoke to seemed distracted by background noise and was unhelpful. My situation is urgent, but they don't seem to believe me anymore.

I certified for weeks on March 13 and March 20 online on March 22. I received confirmation numbers for both, stating I would receive $[redacted] for each week the next business day. However, I have not received the payment. Upon checking my claim, I found no messages or Account Alerts listed. When I looked at the payment status under the Certification link, it showed an Additional Claim Required. I filed a new claim, starting with the week of March 27. I messaged Unemployment immediately to inquire if I need to recertify those weeks in the new claim or if I would receive payment now. I am still awaiting a response, and it is crucial for me to receive the money promptly. Please advise on the necessary steps to ensure I receive payment for those two weeks.

Since June [redacted], I haven't been able to apply for benefits due to my locked account. Despite attempting to update my password, the system states my account is now deactivated. I have sent multiple emails regarding this issue to no avail. On March 30th, I first encountered this problem and now, after the 14-day deadline, I am still unable to access my account for benefits. Today, I have sent additional emails and attempted to log in, but the issue persists. I am struggling to file my claim, and even phone submissions are not possible. Contacting customer service only redirects me to the website, which has not been helpful in resolving the matter.

Someone has filed a claim using my name. The details are as follows: Letter ID: LO [redacted]65, Claim ID: CA[redacted]. My name is Tresa Turner and I live at [redacted] Front Avenue, Mattawan, MI [redacted]. My phone number is 29-[redacted].

I am currently awaiting a response from the Michigan Unemployment office regarding the release of my benefits and the correction of the restitution amount I am being asked to pay, which currently stands at $[redacted] or more. In July [redacted], I mistakenly selected an incorrect response for a week, rendering it ineligible. I was then required to submit a doctor's note, which I did not do as I was ill from food poisoning and spent two days recovering. I have attempted to contact the agency multiple times through the "send a message" tab on Miwam and have been calling for months with no success. This lack of response has caused me to become homeless and lose much financially. I am now in a stop payment status, and my situation is deteriorating. Any assistance to resolve this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Since the beginning of [redacted], I welcomed my second child on January 16. Shortly after returning to work, the country went into lockdown around March 20, [redacted]. I had to stop working to care for my newborn and 3-year-old. This was a first for me, and I applied for unemployment insurance (UI) that got denied because my employer mistakenly thought I voluntarily quit. I had actually informed them I would return when I felt it was safe with my newborn at home. They agreed, but when I filed the claim, they misunderstood. I was advised to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which shows I am approved, but I haven't received any payments despite certifying my weeks. I've tried reaching out but haven't had much luck. To add to my concerns, my tax refund is being held, and there seems to be an issue with my phone number on the system. I'm feeling overwhelmed and just need some clarity and assistance to resolve these matters and alleviate some stress. I hope to receive some guidance soon.

I am seeking a work search waiver due to my circumstances. Despite being 73, high-risk status was not my reason for the request. I diligently answered all questions except the last, where I was not prompted for an explanation. I have a part-time job I wish to return to but face challenges due to my adult daughter's unique needs. She has Down Syndrome and Autism and requires specialized care. With her caregiver departing in August amid a nationwide shortage compounded by COVID, finding a replacement has been incredibly difficult. Despite reaching out extensively to my network and relevant agencies like MORC, I have yet to secure suitable assistance. The current caregiver market crisis may only improve post-September, per my daughter's coordinator, but increased wages are necessary to attract qualified individuals. The commitment and challenges of this role are substantial, making it essential to address the recruitment and retention issues caregivers face. I will persist in my efforts to find a proper caregiver, but until then, my ability to return to work is on hold. I am hopeful for unemployment support during this interim period.