ALERT: You should investigate new health insurance since your last employer will no longer be paying for your health insurance.

The Michigan government has established a toll-free telephone number that can be accessed from anywhere in the United States. This number is specifically for filing for unemployment benefits claims whether new or re-opened cases. You can find it online or in a local telephone book.

If you have access to the Internet then filing for a unemployment benefits claim is even easier. Whether at home, the library or an Internet Cafe the claims office for your unemployment benefits is open 7:00 a.m. Monday to 7:00 p.m. Saturday. Here it is easy to work your way through filing a new claim or re-opening a previous case.

With Internet access you can find a wide range of extra services not available over the telephone. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency does not limit their service to filing claims by through offering other helpful services. By signing up with them on their website, you can access a growing number of unemployment benefits services for those seeking employment. They are available to both new accounts and re-opened cases.

As well as the unemployed, the Unemployment Insurance Agency has a section of help for the employer. You will be able to access and track your UIA payments and schedule and utilize other organizational tools. Your portal into the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency’s benefits begins at http://www.michigan.gov/uia/

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has a wealth of other beneficial information online to help you through a troubled time. Informative articles abound on everything from managing your unemployment benefits claim to updates and new policy notifications. Breaking news on government actions to reduce unemployment and create better working conditions for all.

sSubscribing to the Michigan Employer Advisor Newsletter will help the business owner keep up with the latest tends and information to remain successfully operational.

Since fate can turn at any moment you can file an Emergency Unemployment Compensation (Extension) to provide quick, emergency aid until the regular process kicks in. Access to application for Emergency Aid is also easily found online for the citizens of Michigan through the UIA website.

One of the primary services run through all the agencies is the automated labor exchange service called Michigan’s Talent Bank. Depending on the needs of a local area you will find adult, youth and dislocated workers programs. The service centers provide various welfare reform programs in addition to their unemployment office services.

For a guide to the full listing of benefits available as well as the address and phone number of whichever Michigan Works! Agency unemployment office nearest your location, set your browser to http://www.michiganworks.org/page.cfm/14/ and download the PDF (portable document file) guide to over a hundred locations throughout the State.

Through the development of the Michigan Works! Association, the State has centralized both the public and private sectors of government and business so that a more effective and smooth program is available to the citizens of Michigan. Replacing older and more cumbersome unemployment office systems in 1987, Michigan Works! has been recognized as the most innovative plan of its type in the nation.

Coupling the basic relief provided by an unemployment office with many career advancement services and education, Michigan Works! helps make the workers of Michigan even more valuable in their next job. If you are currently employed, you may find that by checking with Michigan Works!, you can prepare yourself for an even better job or career in the future.

Once there, you can browse through the “Workers” category and find how to file claims as well as updates and benefits available. There is a user-friendly interface called “MARVIN” that guides you through the various stages of maintaining your account and claims information.

Accessing michigan.gov/uia is a valuable asset for the Michigan business owner. Through their online portal you can interface with your account and update necessary information directly without fear of outside delays or oversight. The Michigan employer can file the required routine reports as well as submit payroll tax data or file a protest claim if needed. The Employers section also posts the latest changes in law that could affect you and your business.

There is a complete database of forms available at michigan.gov/uia for the Michigan worker to access and peruse. You can obtain the required forms quickly and easily to make filing a claim for benefits with a click of your computer’s mouse. With the data stored in your personal account you do not have to worry about losing important documents lying around your office.

michigan.gov/uia also maintains an open policy about their efforts. You will find in the “Publications” section of the website, a brief history of the organization. Also available are reports and statistics on Contribution Rates and Payouts, weekly statewide averages and other information ranging as far back as their beginnings in 1936.

As a final resource of the michigan.gov/uia to keep the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency in peak condition to aid their clients is an easy to use, confidential form to report any instances of fraud you become aware of. Those who cheat the system and draw benefits they do not deserve weaken the system and drain funds away that should have gone to some in true need. Reporting fraud helps you be a part of keeping the UIA effective for all workers in Michigan.

So, from questions about tax payments to updating your claims account, the michigan.gov/uia website is an essential resource that should be well used by anyone who wishes to get what they deserve in their working life.