SE Oakland News

In a recent Facebook post, Rep. Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills) offered his constituents assistance in navigating the unemployment website, as well as offering tips on easier filing. This post came after a number of calls came into Webber's office with questions regarding the unemployment process.

Before filing a claim, the applicant should gather personal identifying information to get started. These items include a social security number, driver's license number or state identification. Other personal information -- such as date of birth, address and phone number -- is needed as well. The past 18 months of employment information, employer address, phone number, and first and last day worked are also required.

In order to file a claim, residents should visit Michigan.gov or call 1-866-500-0017 and press "1" for the first option.

Once a claim is processed and approved, applicants will be required to report once every two weeks to continue to receive payment. At this time, applicants need to confirm that they are currently unemployed and answer any other questions required by the unemployment office to continue to receive payment.

In order to report the required information, applicants can visit Michigan.gov at any time or use MARVIN (Michigan's toll-free automated telephone system) between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. by calling 1-866-638-3993.

At that time, payments will be released within two to three business days -- aside from Saturday, Sunday and holidays, which are not considered business days. Payments will be released into personal bank accounts or on the unemployment-provided debit card.

If you have any additional questions regarding the unemployment process, there are options to chat online with a representative, visit the website or contact a representative by phone.

Over 22 million people nationwide have filed for unemployment since the U.S. declared a national emergency, according to The Washington Post. More than 1 million Michigan residents have filed for unemployment since the coronavirus outbreak began, according to ClickOnDetroit.