Where to log in and what you need

Michigan's unemployment system is called UIA Online (Unemployment Insurance Agency Online). You log in at www.michigan.gov/uia using your Social Security number and a password you create when you first register. The site is open 24 hours a day, but the system sometimes goes down for maintenance between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Sundays.

Before you try to log in, have your Social Security number ready. If you have already filed a claim, you will also need the password you set up. If you are logging in for the first time, you will create a password during registration — it must be at least 8 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or @.

You do not need to read anything or use a special app. The website works in any web browser on a computer, tablet, or phone. Internet Explorer is no longer supported, so use Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at www.michigan.gov/uia with your Social Security number and a password you create yourself.
  • Your password must be at least 8 characters long and include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.
  • Once logged in, you can file weekly claims, check claim status, view payment history, and update your contact information.
  • The system is down for maintenance most Sunday mornings between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., so plan to log in at a different time if you get an error.

Step-by-step login for first-time users

Go to www.michigan.gov/uia and look for the blue button that says "Login to Your Account" or "UIA Online." Click it. On the next page, you will see two options: "Existing User" and "New User." If you have never filed a claim in Michigan before, click "New User."

You will be asked to enter your Social Security number in the format XXX-XX-XXXX. Then you will create a password. Write it down or save it somewhere safe — you will need it every time you log in. After you create your password, the system will ask you a few security questions (like the name of your first pet or the city where you were born). Answer these honestly and remember your answers, because you may be asked them again if you forget your password.

Once you finish registration, you will be logged in automatically. You can now file a claim or just explore the dashboard to see what information is there. If you close the browser or log out, you will need to enter your Social Security number and password the next time you come back.

Logging in if you already have an account

If you have filed a claim in Michigan before, click "Existing User" on the login page. Enter your Social Security number and the password you created. If you remember your password, you will be logged in right away.

If you do not remember your password, click the "Forgot Password?" link below the login boxes. You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and answer one of the security questions you set up during registration. If you answer correctly, the system will send a password reset link to the email address on file. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link within 24 hours. You will then create a new password.

If you do not remember the answers to your security questions, or if you do not have access to the email address on file, you will need to contact the UIA directly. Call 1-866-500-0017 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready.

What you can do once you are logged in

After you log in, you will see your dashboard. From here, you can file your weekly claim if you are currently receiving benefits. Michigan requires you to file a claim every week you want to receive a payment — you cannot file multiple weeks at once. The "File Weekly Claim" button is usually at the top of the page.

You can also check the status of any claim you have filed, see your payment history, and view how much you have been paid so far. If your contact information has changed (phone number, email, or mailing address), you can update it in the account settings. You can also upload documents if the UIA has asked you to provide proof of something, like a separation notice from your employer or proof of job search activities.

The system will also show you any messages from the UIA. Read these carefully — they may ask you to provide information, attend a phone interview, or take other action. If you miss a important date in a message, your claim can be denied or paused.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see a message that says "Invalid Social Security Number" or "Invalid Password," check that you are typing them correctly. Social Security numbers should be in the format XXX-XX-XXXX (with hyphens). Passwords are case-sensitive, which means capital letters and lowercase letters are different — if you typed a capital A but your password has a lowercase a, it will not work.

If you see an error message that says the system is temporarily unavailable or you cannot reach the website at all, the system may be down for maintenance. Try again in a few minutes. If the problem continues for more than a few hours, check the Michigan UIA social media pages or call 1-866-500-0017 to see if there is a known outage.

If you are using a public computer (like at a library) or a shared device, always log out when you are done. Do not save your password in the browser. If you log in on someone else's phone or computer, clear your browser history and cookies afterward so your information is not left behind.

Keeping your account find

Do not share your Social Security number or password with anyone, including UIA staff. The real UIA will never ask you for your password by phone, email, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the UIA and asks for your password, it is a scam — hang up or delete the message and report it to the Michigan UIA.

Change your password every few months, especially if you think someone else may have seen it. You can change your password by logging in, going to account settings, and selecting "Change Password." You will need to enter your current password and then create a new one using the same rules (8 characters, uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character).

If you notice activity on your account that you did not do — like a claim filed when you did not file it, or a payment sent to an address you do not recognize — contact the UIA when ready at 1-866-500-0017. They can freeze your account and investigate.

When you cannot log in and need help

If you have tried everything above and still cannot log in, or if you need help filing your claim, call the UIA at 1-866-500-0017. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Calls are usually busiest in the morning, so consider calling in the afternoon if you can.

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the email address you used to register ready when you call. The UIA staff can help you reset your password, answer questions about your claim, or walk you through the filing process. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the Michigan Relay Service by dialing 711.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. The UIA website works on phones and tablets. Open your web browser, go to www.michigan.gov/uia, and log in the same way you would on a computer. The layout will adjust to fit your screen.

What if I never received a confirmation email when I registered?

Check your spam or junk folder — confirmation emails sometimes end up there. If you still cannot find it, you do not need to do anything. You can log in right away using your Social Security number and password. The email was just a courtesy confirmation.

How long does it take to reset my password?

The password reset email usually arrives within a few minutes. Click the link in the email and create a new password. You can then log in when ready. If you do not receive the email within 15 minutes, check your spam folder or call the UIA at 1-866-500-0017.

Can I log in if I am outside Michigan or the United States?

Yes. The UIA website is accessible from anywhere. You just need an internet connection and a web browser. Log in the same way you would from Michigan.

What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?

Change your password when ready by logging in and going to account settings. Then call the UIA at 1-866-500-0017 to report the suspicious activity. They can review your account for unauthorized claims or payments and help protect it.