The weekly work search rule in Michigan
At least 3 unique work search activities in each week you certify for benefits. If you miss a week, it cannot be made up.
Enter the details of each activity when you certify online: the name and date of the activity, the employer, organization or website name and address, and how you made contact. Until Nov. 2, 2026 you certify in MiWAM (for Week 1 and Week 2) or by phone with MARVIN. Starting Nov. 9, 2026 you certify every week online in MiUI, and phone certification with MARVIN ends.
File and certify on the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency site. The rules can change, so check UIA's work search page if a letter from them says something different.
| Michigan rule | |
|---|---|
| Each week | At least 3 unique work search activities in each week you certify for benefits. If you miss a week, it cannot be made up. |
| How you report it | Enter the details of each activity when you certify online: the name and date of the activity, the employer, organization or website name and address, and how you made contact. Until Nov. 2, 2026 you certify in MiWAM (for Week 1 and Week 2) or by phone with MARVIN. Starting Nov. 9, 2026 you certify every week online in MiUI, and phone certification with MARVIN ends. |
| Enter each activity online | Yes, each activity goes into the state system |
| Keep records | Save confirmation emails and other proof of your work search. Keep it for up to 2 years. UIA can ask to check your work search at any point during your claim. |
| Agency | Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency |
Source: Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (www.michigan.gov), checked 2026-10-20.
What counts as a work search activity in Michigan
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency lists these:
- Applying for jobs in person or online
- Creating a profile or resume on a job site such as MiTalent.org
- Online job search workshops or seminars
- Job fairs or employment workshops
- Using other reemployment websites such as Indeed or LinkedIn
Who does not have to search for work in Michigan
The work search can be waived for a temporary layoff (your employer asks for a waiver when you are expected back to full-time work within 45 days, or you ask for a short-term waiver when you expect to return within 15 days of your layoff), or for approved training through a Michigan Works! office. Your Monetary Determination will say if you are waived.
Keep your work search log free
Write down each activity the day you do it: the date, the employer, how you contacted them, the job, and what happened. If the state asks to see your search, the log is your proof.
The free work search log in Capstone Careers keeps it for you: each application you send through Capstone Careers goes on it by itself, you add the ones you do elsewhere, and you can save the week as a PDF.
Need more applications to reach your number? See openings near you and get a resume written for each one.
Training while you are on unemployment in Michigan
If you want to train for a new job, WIOA can pay for approved training if you qualify. See how WIOA works in Michigan.
Approved training is on UIA's list of exemptions above, so ask UIA before you start.