Beginning this Friday, September 12, Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has announced that it will resume collection activities against workers it believes owe the state money for unemployment benefits they should not have received. According to the UIA, first payments on alleged overpayments will be due September 29, 2025. It is estimated that nearly 350,000 Michigan workers are affected by this change, with alleged overpayments dating back up to five years, including many claims from during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anyone who has received unemployment benefits in the last five years may be affected. If you applied for or received benefits since 2020, you should review your Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account.
This frequently asked questions document from the agency contains some guidance that may be helpful. If you would like legal assistance with an unemployment matter, contact the Counsel and Advocacy Law Line. You can learn more about these benefits by reviewing the Michigan Legal Help Unemployment Benefits page or using the Guide to Legal Help.
Key dates and details:
- On or after September 9: Notices about overpayments appeared in MiWAM accounts. For more information on how to navigate MiWAM, check out this instructional video or contact the UIA for assistance.
- On or after September 12: Formal collection notices (Form 1088) will be sent, detailing the amount owed and payment instructions.
- TAKE ACTION, ASK FOR HELP SOON! - You are entitled to an appeal of any determination or collection the agency initiates against you. If you cannot afford your alleged overpayment or think that it may have been the result of the UIA’s mistake, consider reaching out to a legal aid attorney for assistance. To get help, you can contact the Counsel and Advocacy Law Line and tell them that you need assistance with your unemployment overpayment collection issue.
- First payments are due September 29, 2025.
Support and Payment Waiver Options:
- If you cannot afford to pay an overpayment collection: A waiver may be available if repaying would cause “extraordinary financial hardship.” You can submit a request through MiWAM or by mail using form 1795 Request to Waive Repayment of Benefit Overpayment Balance.
- To learn your balance or ask basic questions, you may contact UIA’s Benefit Overpayment Collections Unit at 1-866-500-0017, following prompts: Option #1 → Option #4 → Option #1.
Getting Help with Confusing or Improper Overpayment Assessments
If you believe that the Unemployment Insurance Agency made a mistake such as accusing you of receiving benefits you never received, miscalculating your overpayment, or any other potential error, you should seek legal assistance.
Free legal help may be available through the Counsel and Advocacy Law Line (CALL) at 1-888-783-8190. You may also contact your State Representative or State Senator to get help.