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Unemployment Update
We’ve heard from countless constituents having issues dealing with the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA). We are doing all that we can, but unfortunately, the system is overwhelmed. It was taking two weeks from when we submitted forms on behalf of constituents for the UIA to call the person to verify information. Now, sadly, it’s taking three or more weeks. This is unacceptable and needs to be fixed. My legislative colleagues and I have been imploring the agency to do better. Just know, If I could resolve the issues all of our families and neighbors are having with the UIA, I would. In the interim, our office will continue to do all that we can to help people navigating the system. Please continue reading to find out more about what is happening with unemployment in Michigan and across the country.
The U.S. Secret Service and the Office of Inspector General are working with states across the country to reduce the risk of international criminals attempting to unlawfully access unemployment benefits at a time when residents need that support the most.
Although Michigan hasn’t been targeted yet, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is proactively taking steps to authenticate claims — including asking some claimants to submit additional information. If you or someone you know has received a notice regarding your claim, you’ll find more information below.
For claims that require additional information:
- The UIA will send residents Form UIA 6347 Request for Identity Verification by U.S. Postal Service mail, which will provide a mailing address or fax number for submitting ID verification documents.
- For faster processing, UIA encourages residents to upload copies of the requested documents electronically to their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM).
In addition to Form UIA 6347, residents will also be asked to provide their:
- US Passport or US Passport Card,
- Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card
OR
- Driver’s licenses or ID card AND
- Social Security Card, or
- Original or certified copy of birth certificate
How to upload documents to MiWAM:
- Login to MiWAM account and under “I Want To”, click “Send Unemployment a Message” to upload required documents. Documents may be sent by message 24/7.
Tips to Prevent Unemployment Identity Theft
When individuals file a claim for unemployment, they receive a written Monetary Determination letter. If you receive this letter and have not applied for benefits, or the name listed is not yours, be sure to contact UIA immediately online at Michigan.gov/UIA and click on the “Report Identity Theft” icon or call the customer service hotline at (866) 500-0017.
If you believe you’re the victim of identity theft, you can place fraud alerts on your credit reports for free through Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You only need to contact one credit bureau and they will contact the others for you.
Always remember:
- Guard your Social security number. Give it out only when absolutely necessary.
- Never respond to unsolicited requests for personal information like your name, birth date or bank account number by phone, mail or online.
- Shred your receipts, credit card offers, account statements and expired cards to prevent individuals from acquiring your personal information.
- Review your credit report at least once a year to be certain it doesn’t include accounts you haven’t opened.
- You can access your free annual credit reports from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax at com or by calling (877) 322-8228.
You can find additional tips to keep yourself protected by clicking here.
MI Safe Start Update
Thanks to the steps Michiganders have taken to slow the spread of COVID-19, we’re able to begin safely and carefully reopening our state. Although Gov. Whitmer’s Stay Home order is still in effect, several additional activities may resume as long as residents remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus.
Small group gatherings of no more than 10 people may resume immediately, but residents are encouraged to continue taking precautions like wearing masks and regularly washing their hands.
Beginning May 26, the following activities were able to resume statewide with appropriate safety practices in place:
- Shopping at retail stores by appointment.
- Visiting motor vehicle showrooms by appointment.
Beginning May 29, the following activities also resumed statewide with heightened safety protocols:
- Elective medical and dental procedures.
- Veterinary care for pets.
Last week, Gov. Whitmer signed an executive order to allow for the reopening of two northern regions of the state, including the Upper Peninsula and the Traverse City region. This allows for retail businesses, some office work, and restaurants and bars with limited seating to begin reopening. All businesses that will reopen in these regions must adopt proper safety measures, practices and training, including:
- Workplace infection-control practices;
- The proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE);
- Steps workers must take to notify the business or operation of any symptoms of COVID-19 or a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19; and
- How to report unsafe working conditions.
Restaurants and bars in these regions are required to limit their capacity to 50 percent of their normal seating to keep groups at least 6 feet from one another, along with requirements of servers to wear masks and other employees to follow rigorous disinfection protocols. This executive order still allows for cities, villages, townships and other local entities to choose to take a more cautious course of re-engagement if they wish.
On Friday, May 15, Gov. Whitmer announced the creation of the Return to Learning Advisory Council through Executive Order 2020-88. This group will bring together Michigan students, parents, frontline educators, administrators and public health officials to provide the COVID-19 Task Force on Education within the State Emergency Operations Center with recommendations on how to safely, equitably and efficiently return to school in the fall. Some of the key issues schools must consider before opening include:
- Performing outreach to ensure the voices of stakeholders are included in the discussion of implementing the 2020-2021 school year in these challenging and uncharted circumstances.
- Ensuring experts in public health and epidemiology are informing the discussion of safely returning to school.
- Recommending actions to remove statutory and administrative barriers to delivering education before we are at Phase 6 of the MI Safe Start Plan.
- Recommending actions to develop and improve systems for remedial support for students who experienced learning loss during the spring and summer.
The Return to Learning Advisory Council will be made up of more than 20 members representing K-12 administrators and educators, health experts and community stakeholders.
For more information on Gov. Whitmer’s MI Safe Start Plan, click here.
We’re finally beginning to turn the tide in our fight against this pandemic, but we’ll only be able to maintain our progress if we continue staying home and staying safe whenever possible. We’ll get through this and we’ll do it together.
Sincerely,
Robert Wittenberg
State Representative, 27th House District
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