What Michigan Works Does and Who Runs It
Michigan Works is a network of one-stop career centers run by your local workforce development board, not by the state unemployment office itself. When you lose a job, Michigan Works offers job search help, skills training referrals, and connections to employers — but it does not pay unemployment benefits. That comes from the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, which is separate.
Each county has its own Michigan Works office or partner agency. You can walk in, call, or use their online job board without having filed for unemployment first, though many people do both at the same time. The services are free and open to anyone looking for work, whether you were laid off, quit, or are entering the job market for the first time.
Michigan Works staff can help you understand what unemployment benefits you might receive, but they do not process those claims. That happens through the state's UIA system. Think of Michigan Works as your job-finding partner and the UIA as the agency that handles your benefit payments.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan Works is a local career center network that helps you find jobs and training, separate from the state office that pays unemployment benefits.
- You can use Michigan Works services without filing for unemployment, and you do not have to wait for a benefits decision to start getting job search help.
- Each county runs its own Michigan Works office or contracts with a partner agency, so the exact location and hours depend on where you live.
- Michigan Works can refer you to training programs, help you write a resume, and connect you with employers, but does not pay you directly.
Finding Your Local Michigan Works Office
Start by visiting the statewide Michigan Works website or calling 1-800-285-9675 to find the office serving your county. Some counties run their own office; others contract with a nonprofit or community college to provide the service. The phone line can tell you the exact address, hours, and whether you need an appointment.
Many Michigan Works offices now offer both in-person and remote services. You can often start a job search online through their system before you visit in person. If you are in a rural area or have transportation barriers, ask whether phone or video appointments are available — most offices have adapted to offer them.
Bring a photo ID and Social Security card to your first visit. If you have already filed for unemployment, bring your claim number. You do not need to have filed first, but having that information speeds things up if you have.
Job Search Services and Resources
Michigan Works maintains a job board where employers post openings across the state. You can search by location, industry, and job title. The site also lets you upload a resume and set up job alerts so new postings matching your skills come to your email.
Staff can help you write or update a resume, practice interview skills, and identify which jobs match your background. They can also refer you to employers who are actively hiring. Some offices hold job fairs or connect you directly with hiring managers in your area.
If you need help figuring out what kind of work suits you, Michigan Works offers career assessments and one-on-one counseling. These are especially useful if you are changing fields or have been out of work for a long time and want to understand what skills are in demand.
Training and Skills Programs
Michigan Works can refer you to training programs if your skills do not match current job openings or if you need a credential to move forward. These programs range from short certificates (a few weeks) to longer degree programs at community colleges. Some are free or low-cost; others may require payment or may be covered by workforce funding.
Before you enroll in training, Michigan Works staff can help you understand whether the program leads to jobs that are actually hiring in your area. This matters because some training programs are popular but do not result in employment. They can also tell you whether you might be able to get tuition help through workforce grants or whether you would need to pay yourself.
If you are receiving unemployment benefits, you may be required to participate in work search activities or training as a condition of continuing to receive payments. Michigan Works can document your participation so the UIA knows you are meeting those requirements.
How Michigan Works Connects to Unemployment Benefits
Michigan Works and the UIA are separate agencies, but they share information. When you file for unemployment with the UIA, you are usually required to register with Michigan Works and participate in job search activities. This means you need to show that you are actively looking for work — not just collecting benefits and waiting.
The UIA may require you to attend a work search orientation or training session through Michigan Works as a condition of your benefits. If you do not comply with these requirements, your benefits can be reduced or stopped. Michigan Works will report your participation back to the UIA so they know you are meeting the rules.
If you have questions about what the UIA requires of you, Michigan Works staff can explain it. They deal with these rules every day and can tell you what counts as acceptable work search activity and what does not.
Special Programs and Targeted Services
Michigan Works offers specialized help for certain groups. If you are over 55, a veteran, have a disability, or are a young person just starting out, there may be programs designed for your situation. These can include priority access to training, wage subsidies for employers who hire you, or ongoing support after you start a job.
Veterans can access a dedicated employment specialist who understands military experience and can help translate it into civilian job language. Younger workers may may have access to for youth programs that combine work experience with training. People with disabilities can work with a specialist to find jobs that accommodate their needs and connect with employers who actively hire people with disabilities.
Ask about these programs when you first contact Michigan Works. You do not have to be receiving unemployment benefits to use them, and they are free.
What Happens If You Refuse Work or Training
If the UIA requires you to participate in a training program or accept a suitable job, and you refuse without good cause, your unemployment benefits will be reduced or stopped. Michigan Works does not make this decision — the UIA does — but Michigan Works will report whether you completed required activities.
Good cause for refusing work includes health reasons, unsafe working conditions, or a job that pays significantly less than your previous work. If you turn down a job or training, be prepared to explain why to the UIA. Michigan Works can help you understand what counts as good cause and what does not.
If you are struggling with barriers to work — childcare, transportation, health issues — tell Michigan Works. They may be able to connect you with resources or help you document why certain work is not feasible right now. This information can be important if the UIA questions your job search efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Michigan Works if I am receiving unemployment?
You must register with Michigan Works and participate in work search activities as a condition of receiving benefits. The UIA requires this. However, you can start using Michigan Works services before you file for unemployment if you want to get a head start on your job search.
Will Michigan Works help me if I quit my job instead of being laid off?
Michigan Works will help you find a new job regardless of how you left your last one. However, if you quit without good cause, you may not be able to receive unemployment benefits from the UIA. Michigan Works staff can explain the difference and help you understand your options.
Can Michigan Works pay for my training?
Michigan Works can refer you to training and may be able to help pay for it through workforce grants, but this depends on the program and your situation. Some training is free; some requires payment. Ask about funding options when you discuss training with a staff member.
What if I cannot get to the Michigan Works office in person?
Most offices now offer phone and video appointments. Call ahead and ask what remote options are available. You can also use the online job board and register without visiting in person, though you may need to complete some steps by phone or video.
How long does it take to find a job through Michigan Works?
That depends on your skills, the job market in your area, and how quickly you can connect with employers. Michigan Works can speed up the process by connecting you directly with hiring managers, but there is no set timeline. Some people find work in weeks; others take longer.