I hope you have had a chance to enjoy all that fall in Michigan offers to those who enjoy the Great Outdoors. Winter is just around the corner.

You may have seen the exciting news that the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is moving forward
with a modern, innovative, user-focused unemployment insurance computer system to replace our current MIDAS/MIWAM program.

The new system is expected to be fully operational in 2025. For employers, it will allow for registration, profile and workflow; quarterly reporting; tax payments; benefit charges; reports and correspondence; dashboards; and other exciting functions.

We’ll keep you updated on our progress installing the new system. You can learn more by reading UIA’s announcement and the uFacts web page.

In this month’s newsletter, we wanted to remind employers about three programs we offer that will help you navigate the unemployment experience: Employer Filed Claims (EFC) lets you streamline the jobless claims process for your employees. Also, as
we honor veterans this month, don’t forget to use the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) when you add veterans to your team. Finally, if foreign trade impacts your workforce, learn more about Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA).

We’ve also calculated the 2023 tax rates for businesses, except construction, and listed them in the chart below. Be sure to check your MIWAM account for any changes.

As always, if you want to suggest an article or topic for the Employer Advisor newsletter or just want to tell us how much you enjoy reading it, please send a message to UIA-EmployerAdvisor@Michigan.gov. You can view past newsletters 
on our Tools and Resources webpage.

The Employer Filed Claims (EFC) program is a service for all employers who:

• Have at least one mass layoff a year.
• Have a Michigan Web Account Manager (MIWAM) account.

By participating in the EFC program, employers can submit through their MiWAM accounts unemployment claims information on behalf of all their full-time workers who are temporarily or permanently laid off.

This fast and secure way of transferring claims data through MIWAM allows employers to better manage the accuracy of the information provided to UIA. Using EFC also means employers will have a file record of all approved layoffs to match against incoming unemployment charges to their account.

How does EFC work?

• Employers are provided custom file specifications that interface with the UIA system and the employer’s MiWAM account and a schedule to submit unemployment claims (either current or late) on behalf of all laid-off workers. Files can be transmitted using File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Notepad or Excel.
• Employers sign a Memorandum of Understanding agreeing to the rules for employers who file their claims electronically. The employer becomes the agent for their unemployed workers who file new or additional claims. The schedule and transmitted data are agreed upon by UIA and the employer.
• UIA staff can help claimants via phone or chat with any type of issues so they can receive their regular unemployment benefits and/or Supplemental Unemployment Benefits (SUB) pay from their employer.

If you are an employer interested in this program, contact the EFC unit at EFC@Michigan.gov or call 1-855-484-2636, Option 2. Staff can provide the file specifications and review the EFC process with you. More information is available
on the UIA website.

As we celebrate veterans this month, UIA not
only recognizes the dedicated service of military veterans, but also supports those veterans as they reenter the civilian workforce.

If you’re an employer looking to fill positions, qualified veterans may be just the answer. Veterans bring attributes such as proven leadership qualities, creative problem solving,
a strong work ethic and more. With the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) you can receive a tax credit for hiring veterans.

WOTC is a federal tax credit available to private, for-profit employers who hire from targeted groups, including veterans, who traditionally have barriers to finding employment. Employers can earn tax credits from $2,400 to $9,600 for each employee hired.

Workers who have lost or may lose their jobs as a result of foreign trade can get some help through the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. TAA provides opportunities for workers to gain the skills, credentials, resources and support needed to become reemployed.

Michigan is home to one of the nation’s most diverse and productive workforces, and TAA helps ensure that workers can tap into new employment opportunities. The program provides resources such as job training, career counseling, wage supplements for older workers, job search and relocation allowances, and income support for workers in approved training programs.