If you’re collecting unemployment insurance in Michigan, the rules just got stricter. Starting this Sunday, claimants must complete and log three work search activities per week — up from just one. Miss the new requirement and you risk losing your benefits.
What Changed
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is tripling the weekly work search requirement for anyone collecting unemployment benefits. The change comes from bipartisan legislation passed in 2024, and takes effect this week.
“So they must conduct 3 work search activities and log them in their online account,” said Jason Palmer, Director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.
Qualifying Work Search Activities
According to the UIA, the following count toward your three weekly activities:
- 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
- Other qualifying job-seeking activities
You Must Log Every Activity
This isn’t optional documentation — claimants are required to log each of the three activities in their online unemployment account. Michigan Works advises claimants to also keep independent proof of each search (confirmation emails, screenshots, event registrations) in case the state requests verification later.
Why the Change
State officials frame this as a push to get people back to work faster, not just a compliance hurdle. “Unemployment insurance is designed to be a temporary assistance for people as they are looking for their next job,” Palmer said.
Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works Association, connected the change to employer demand: “Employers all across Michigan, and across the country, quite frankly, are clamoring for talent. When we ask businesses what are some of their barriers to growth are, oftentimes a skilled and talented workforce is cited as one of those challenges that they are facing.” Hundt noted that Michigan Works offices function as reemployment offices, not just unemployment offices — meaning their resources are meant to actively help claimants find their next job, not just process paperwork.
Related Michigan Unemployment Change
Separately, Michigan has also expanded eligibility so that domestic violence survivors can collect unemployment benefits if they leave their jobs due to their situation — a distinct but relevant policy shift for Michigan claimants to be aware of.
FAQ
Q: What happens if I only complete one or two work searches this week?
The article doesn’t specify the exact penalty, but under standard unemployment insurance rules, failing to meet work search requirements typically risks a denial or delay of that week’s benefit payment. Check your UIA online account or contact the agency directly for how missed requirements affect your specific claim.
Q: Does this apply to everyone collecting unemployment in Michigan?
The reporting describes this as a requirement for unemployment insurance claimants generally, but specific exemptions (for example, workers on a definite recall date, or in approved training programs) may still apply under existing UIA rules. Confirm your status directly with the UIA.
Q: Where do I log my work search activities?
In your online Michigan unemployment insurance account, the same account used to certify for weekly benefits.
Q: When exactly does this start?
The new three-activity requirement took effect this past Sunday, per the UIA.
Bottom Line
If you’re currently collecting Michigan unemployment benefits, don’t wait to adjust — log into your UIA account, review the qualifying activities list, and make sure you’re completing and documenting three work search activities every week going forward. Falling short could put your benefit payments at risk.
Source: WILX News 10 Lansing (https://www.wilx.com/2026/07/18/michigan-unemployment-work-search-requirement-triples-starting-sunday/)