New walk-in option available at all unemployment offices

Visitors can now access in-person support with or without an appointment, or use new self-service kiosks

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is expanding in-person service by introducing a new walk-in option at all 12 Local Offices throughout the state, including those in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, and Sterling Heights.

This marks the first time since before the pandemic that walk-in service has been available for all offices, restoring accessibility while continuing safety improvements introduced in recent years.

"While online tools are often the fastest and easiest way to get help, we also know that sometimes people need a bit more - and that's why we're making it easier to meet with a real person when you need that support," said Jason Palmer, UIA Director. "For the first time since before the pandemic, people can walk in unscheduled to an unemployment office and get face-to-face support in a safe, organized environment. By giving people more options - appointments, walk-in visits, or self-service kiosks, along with many online tools - we're improving access and making it easier for people to get timely, accurate help when they need it."

Workers can choose to schedule an appointment up to 14 days in advance, walk in without an appointment, or stop in to use new on-site self-service kiosks to access their online account. Appointments remain the priority, but walk-ins are welcome as capacity allows.

All visitors must check in with a guard at the door of the Local Office and provide a photo ID, enhancing both safety and service coordination. Those without an appointment may wait to be seen or can scan a QR code to schedule a return visit at a time that is convenient for them.

The updated service model is expected to increase the number of people UIA can help each day and enable faster service. Previously, appointments were limited to 20 minutes, but staff can now spend the time needed with each customer and move directly to the next as soon as they are available.

New self-service kiosks are also available at the five largest and most visited offices (Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, Sterling Heights), giving workers another convenient way to manage their claim without waiting to speak with staff. The kiosks allow users to access their Michigan Web Account Management (MiWAM) account, certify for benefits, check benefit status, and complete other common tasks independently. Offices with kiosks include at least one ADA-accessible terminal equipped with features such as closed captioning, magnification tools, and adjustable height controls to support visitors with disabilities. The kiosks help reduce lobby wait times and ensure all visitors have access to the digital tools they need.

Visiting a Local Office with or without an appointment gives unemployed workers a quicker alternative to trying to reach UIA by phone. The quickest and easiest way to perform many unemployment duties without assistance from UIA staff is through your MiWAM account.

UIA Local Offices now open for walk-ins

All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins will be accepted until 4:20 p.m., or as capacity allows. A full list of all UIA offices can be found below:

• Benton Harbor - 401 8^th St., Benton Harbor, MI 49022
• Detroit - 3024 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-385, Detroit, MI 48202
• Gaylord - 931 Otsego Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735
• Grand Rapids - 3391 Plainfield NE, Ste. A, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
• Kalamazoo - 1601 South Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001
• Lansing - 5217 Perry Robinson Circle, Lansing, MI 48911
• Marquette - 1498 O'Dovero Dr., Ste. 2, Marquette, MI 49855
• Muskegon - 2700 Baker St., Muskegon Heights, MI 49444
• Saginaw - 515 N. Washington Ave., Ste. 100, Saginaw, MI 48607
• Sault Ste. Marie - 1118 East Easterday Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
• Sterling Heights - 43015 Hayes Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038
• Traverse City - 1209 South Garfield Ave., Ste. C, Traverse City, MI 49686

In addition to visiting a Local Office, workers have many convenient ways to get help online. They can schedule an in-person, virtual, or phone appointment at Michigan.gov/UIA, chat with staff through their MiWAM account Monday through Friday, or use UIA's online chatbot for quick answers to common questions. A wide range of FAQs, videos, and toolkits are also available at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Helpful resources for workers and employers

UIA's many helpful online resources for navigating the unemployment landscape are part of the agency's commitment to being a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service:

• The UIA Claimant Roadmap, a six-step, user-friendly guide to applying for and understanding benefits. Access the roadmap at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap.
• A website explaining recent changes in Michigan unemployment law, including the increase in the number of required weekly work search activities and a provision that allows domestic violence victims who quit their job to receive benefits if they also meet other eligibility requirements. Find out more at Michigan.gov/UIALawChanges.
• Online Coaching Sessions, which are web-based group sessions led by UIA staff on topics such as filing a first-time claim, understanding a Monetary Determination letter, the protest and appeals process, and seeking work and registration requirements. The First-time Filer Coaching Session is also available in Spanish.
• Language Assistance Services provide free support in Spanish, Arabic, Albanian, Bengali, and Chinese to increase understanding of the services and information UIA provides.
• Performance Dashboards. Interactive tools provide a deep dive into underlying data and trends in unemployment insurance in Michigan as well as core metrics that measure UIA's success.
• 2025 Annual Report. Data-driven insights into UIA's initiatives to improve the unemployment experience for workers and employers across Michigan.
• The Advocacy Program, which provides free legal help for unemployed workers and employers who appeal UIA redeterminations.
• Phone, virtual, or in-person appointments that can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance at Michigan.gov/UIA.
• Answers to frequently asked questions, toolkits, detailed information, and other resources for workers and employers can be found at Michigan.gov/UIA. Helpful instructional and informational videos are posted on YouTube.
• A new, modern user platform. MiUI will be easy to use, speed claims processing, and provide a modern user interface. It will replace the decade-old MiWAM computer system used by workers to apply for benefits and employers to pay unemployment insurance taxes. For information, see Michigan.gov/MiUIUniversity.

Need help with a claim or have questions about unemployment?

Ask online: UIA's chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA can answer many questions.

Search online: FAQs, videos, toolkits, and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Chat with us: Available through MiWAM Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Meet with us: Schedule an in-person, phone, or virtual meeting at Michigan.gov/UIA.