Michigan Works! Staff Assisting Michigan Unemployment Agency with Customer Service Support

LANSING, MI (April 9, 2020) – As unemployment insurance claims continue to flood the state’s system at a record rate, Michigan Works! is working with the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to assist Michigan residents with questions about filing for unemployment.

“We are seeing unprecedented numbers of people filing for unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association.  “Michigan Works! service centers, in many cases, are fielding over 1,000 calls per week from Michigan residents seeking assistance with navigating the unemployment system.  With so many first-time claimants right now coupled with the record number of people filing, we know it adds extra frustration and confusion so we are happy to help in any way we can.”

The impact this crisis is having on the American economy is worse than what the country saw during the 2007-2009 Great Recession.

“In its 33 years of existence, the Michigan Works! system has seen our state go through some economically devastating situations,” said Dunsford.  “In good times and in bad Michigan Works! staff are always here to assist the residents of our state with their job search and training needs.  When this crisis passes, we stand ready to get Michigan’s economy jump started and up and running at full speed again.”

As a reminder, Michiganders need to file for unemployment online with the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency through Michigan.gov/UIA or by calling 1-866-500-0017.  There is no need for unemployment claimants to register in-person at Michigan Works! once they have filed for unemployment, as that requirement has been waived during this time.

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