The state offers various ways to file for or obtain
information on jobless benefit claims, though officials acknowledge some options
are more difficult to access than others during peak-use periods.
Chawn Greene-Farmer of the state Department of Licensing and
Regulatory Affairs said the best way to communicate with the Unemployment
Insurance Agency is to set up an online account by going to the state's website
at www.michigan.gov/uia and then linking to "UIA Online Services for
Unemployed Workers."
The agency has about 100 employees who work as "Virtual
Problem Resolution Agents" who can help clients with their claim history,
account balances and related information from Mondays through Saturdays.
The state also offers several webcast tutorials on its site
to walk clients through the claim application process.
Claimants can also telephone the Michigan Automated Response
Voice Network — known as MARVIN — at 1-866-638-3993 to check claim balances and
get information. While the MARVIN system was swamped with calls in recent weeks
and many clients weren't able to get through, Greene-Farmer said the agency is
adjusting its customer service staff to deal with high call volumes.
For face-to-face assistance, claimants can visit a Problem
Resolution Office that is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The northern
Michigan office is in Gaylord at 400 W. Main St. in Suite 102.
The state offers another toll-free help line at
1-866-644-3577 that has pre-recorded messages about unemployment insurance and
extended benefit programs. No live staff is available through that service.
If all else fails, residents can contact their state
lawmakers for assistance. Eric Dean, chief of staff for state Sen. Howard
Walker, of Traverse City, said more offices welcome calls from constituents
needing help with state agencies.
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