Unemployment agency promotes online safety during Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Individuals and businesses encouraged to recognize fraud attempts and take proactive steps to protect themselves

In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is inviting Michiganders to join the fight against fraud and learn simple steps they can take to protect against scams.

“Workers and businesses alike must be aware of how to keep themselves safe online,” said UIA Director Jason Palmer. “This month is an important reminder of efforts we need to practice year-round: staying vigilant, recognizing potential scams, and taking steps to protect personal information. When Michiganders stay informed, they become powerful partners with UIA in the fight against fraud.”

To help individuals and businesses stay safe online, UIA is sharing simple, practical cybersecurity steps that can prevent criminals from gaining access to sensitive information. These tips complement the agency’s own ongoing fraud‑prevention work and empower Michiganders to be active partners in protecting themselves and their communities.

Be cautious of unsolicited calls, emails, texts, or social media messages claiming to be from UIA. Log in to your MiWAM or MiUI account to verify correspondence, or contact UIA.
Do not share any personal information, such as your Social Security number, account login, or banking details, in response to random calls, texts, or email claiming to be from the UIA.
Use a strong, unique password for your MiWAM or MiLogin accounts. Do not reuse passwords across accounts.
Review your account regularly for unfamiliar activity and report anything suspicious to UIA right away. Monitor your correspondence within your account for official requests for information.
Log out completely when using a shared or public computer to access your account.
Report unemployment fraud or identity theft at Michigan.gov/UIA.

This summer, UIA warned the public about a phone scam in which callers falsely claimed that unpaid unemployment benefits were available for a fee. A Michigander had alerted the agency after receiving a call similar to scam attempts reported in other states. UIA never charges a fee to release benefits, nor does it contact individuals to demand payment or personal information. Learn more about this phone scam at Michigan.gov/UIA.

Learn more about unemployment fraud and protecting your private information 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.
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.
MiUI University, to learn more about UIA’s new, modern MiUI user platform. MiUI will be easy to use, speed claims processing, and build on the agency’s aggressive anti-fraud tactics. It also will include plain language forms and correspondence for easier understanding of next steps.
A comprehensive list of resources for federal workers who have been laid off or terminated at Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp.
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.

Need help with a claim or have questions?

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

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

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.

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