DATE: July 23, 2009
CONTACT: Norm Isotalo, 313/456-2939, IsotaloNormanH@Michigan.gov

Jobless workers who are applying for unemployment benefits can now file their claims 24 hours a day Monday through Saturday by using an automated telephone system at the state's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

"We've expanded the hours of operation for our automated telephone service to make it more convenient for unemployed workers to file their unemployment claims by telephone at just about any time," UIA Director Stephen Geskey said. "The automated telephone system is now available from 7:00 AM Monday through 7:00 PM Saturday except the first Saturday of the month, the same hours as our online application system." Additionally, this recent enhancement allows workers to change their benefit payment option from debit card to direct deposit or vice versa at their convenience: whether it's at 8:00 p.m. or 2:00 a.m.

Callers can reach the automated system by dialing the UIA's toll-free telephone number - 1-866-500-0017. The automated phone system does not have any UIA representatives available to help callers either before or after regular business hours. Representatives are only available during normal business hours - weekdays from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Geskey pointed out that those using the automated phone during non-business hours will not need to file their claim on a scheduled day or time. However, those who call the agency to apply during normal business hours must still adhere to the current filing schedule based on the last two digits in the caller's Social Security number.

"The automated phone system works best for those who have straight forward unemployment claims," Geskey said. "In other words, they became unemployed due to a lack of work."

Those calling the automated system during off-hours and who cannot complete the filing of their claims because additional information is required will be advised to call the agency back during normal business hours, excluding holidays, to speak with an agency representative.