If You Are Collecting PUA Benefits

On your next certification for your federal CARES Act Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits, you will be required to answer four additional certification questions to ensure continuation of your benefits. The questions will be asked whether you certify online with MiWAM or by phone with MARVIN. If you certify by phone, please listen carefully for the new questions to ensure you answer accurately.

The first question is a self-certification and asks:

What is the COVID-19 related reason you were unemployed or working reduced hours?

As displayed below, it will list several COVID-19 related reasons you were unemployed or working reduced hours during the week you are certifying for.

For questions 1 through 14, you should answer YES to all of the reasons that apply. If questions 1 through 14 apply, answer No to question 15.

If the only reason you are unable to work, are unavailable for work, or not capable of seeking work was due to COVID-19, you should answer YES to the new questions as displayed below. 

• With the exception of COVID-19, were you otherwise able to work this week? Able to work means you are physically and mentally capable of working.
• With the exception of COVID-19, were you otherwise available to work this week? Being available means you are willing and able to perform full time work similar to what you’ve done in the past, at a location where you worked in the past, or where such work is available.
• With the exception of COVID -19, were you otherwise capable of seeking work for this week? In other words, would you be able to look for a job were it not for COVID-19?

You must respond to these new certification questions each week you are certifying in order to remain eligible for benefits. 

More information is available on the UIA website to guide you through the unemployment insurance process. Please check our website for frequently asked questions, video tutorials and other information that may answer your questions.

Visit the Michigan.gov/coronavirus for the latest COVID-19 updates and resources from the State of Michigan.

Do you need assistance making ends meet? MI Bridges offers an easy to use application where you can apply for healthcare coverage, food and cash assistance, childcare assistance, and State Emergency Relief for housing, utility and burial situations. MI Bridges also lists helpful state and local resources near you. You can apply for benefits from any computer or smart phone. Be sure to complete the entire application by answering all the questions, which will allow for quick and efficient processing of your application. Don’t wait, make a plan to go to www.mibridges.michigan.gov today.