Why it matters: Michigan employers are facing several changes to the unemployment insurance (UI) system that could affect how they manage accounts, claims and compliance. Job providers need to take action to prepare for the transition from MiWAM to MiUI to avoid disruptions, meet important deadlines and manage their UI costs and workforce needs.
What employers need to know: Under the Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency’s (UIA) new MiUI system, employers must activate their accounts to access unemployment tax and benefits services. Other key, must-know info:
- Activation is required to access employer services in MiUI.
- If your business works with a third-party administrator (TPA), your account still needs to be activated so proper access can be assigned.
- Employers already using MiUI for tax functions – or who have granted their TPA access – do not need to take further action.
- Benefits functions go live Nov. 9, 2026. Until then, benefits-related activities will continue through MiWAM for Employers. However, activating your account now will help ensure a smooth transition when benefits functions move into MiUI later this year.
Need help?
UIA’s MiUI University offers step-by-step guidance on finding your activation code, setting up your account, providing access to a TPA and navigating the new system. In addition, UIA’s Tax and Employer Services Division has launched a new Issue Tracker to help employers and TPAs receive technical and navigational support. The tool can be used for MiLogin assistance, MiWAM support, tax-related questions, reporting issues, and website errors.
Wait, there’s more:
- New Changes to how appeals are handled: Recent changes to Michigan unemployment law allow employers to request that multiple related appeals be consolidated into a single hearing. Fewer hearings can mean faster resolutions and less administrative burden for employers. Requests can be submitted through MiWAM, MiUI, or via forms available on UIA’s Protests and Appeals webpage.
- Remember quarterly wage reporting deadlines: Oct. 26, 2026, for third-quarter wage reports and Jan. 25, 2027, for fourth-quarter wage reports.
- Consider work share before layoffs: Facing economic challenges or reduced demand? UIA’s Work Share Program may allow employers to reduce employee hours instead of implementing layoffs, helping businesses retain trained workers while employees receive partial unemployment benefitss.
- MI Chamber-supported legislation took effect this summer requiring unemployed individuals to report three work searches each week (up from one).
Go deeper: Read more for assistance with MiUI. Contact Wendy Block with Qs or for more information.