State Unemployment Benefits in Michigan

Claimants use MiWAM (Michigan Web Account Manager), reached at michigan.gov/uia.¹

A death is reported to UIA by phone, by chat with an agent through MiWAM during business hours, or by scheduling a phone, in-person, or virtual appointment.²

Benefits issued for weeks after the date of death are an overpayment the agency recovers through recoupment.³

UIA determines whether accrued benefits are owed for eligible weeks before the death (MCL 421.27(e)).⁴

MCL 421.27(e) makes accrued unpaid benefits payable to the claimant's legal heir or guardian, or to any other person UIA determines was equitably entitled by having incurred burial or other necessary expenses on the claimant's behalf.⁴

MCL 421.27(h) bars payment of accrued benefits more than 6 years after the ending date of the benefit year covering the payment, or 2 calendar years after the calendar year in which there is final disposition of a contested case, whichever is later.⁴

within 6 years, or 2 calendar years for a contested case, whichever is later of the end of the benefit year, or the calendar year of final disposition; Accrued benefits are not payable after that time.⁴