Michigan unemployment claimants now have to report three work search activities every week instead of one. The change took effect July 19, 2026, and missing it can mean losing your benefit payment for that week.
What changed
Starting the week of July 19, anyone certifying for Michigan unemployment benefits must complete and report three separate work search activities per week, up from just one previously. Skipping this isn’t a minor paperwork issue — if you don’t report three activities, you won’t be paid for that week, or you could later be asked to return benefits you weren’t supposed to receive.
How to report
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) recommends logging work searches through your online Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) account, which is available 24/7.
What counts as a work search activity
Qualifying activities include:
- Applying for a job
- Creating a profile on a job search website
- Attending a job fair, in person or online
- Taking part in a skills training course
- Using Michigan Works! resources to connect with an employer
The UIA advises documenting each of your three weekly activities and keeping proof, in case the agency asks you to verify them later.
Why this changed
The tripled work search requirement is part of a broader, bipartisan overhaul of Michigan’s unemployment system signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The same law also increased how long someone can collect benefits — from a maximum of 20 weeks up to 26 weeks — and raised the maximum weekly benefit amount from $530 to $614, effective January 1, 2026.
FAQ
Q. What happens if I only do one or two work searches instead of three?
A. You risk not being paid for that week, and could be required to repay benefits later if the shortfall isn’t caught right away.
Q. Where do I log my work search activities?
A. Through your MiWAM (Michigan Web Account Manager) account online.
Q. Does a skills training course count as a work search activity?
A. Yes — taking part in a skills training course is one of the UIA’s listed qualifying activities.
Q. Is this the only unemployment change in Michigan this year?
A. No. The same legislative package raised the maximum benefit duration to 26 weeks and increased the maximum weekly benefit to $614 starting January 1, 2026.