DETROIT – If you tried entering an unemployment office Thursday, you found locked doors and information guiding you to online resources. The demand right now is enormous, according to Erica Quealy, a spokesperson for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. Also see: Michigan expands unemployment to include self-employed, gig workers; increases weekly benefits“We can confirm that the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is currently experiencing an average 550% increase in claims compared to normal anticipated activity this time of year,” Quealy said. The website is slow and the phone lines are backed up because of the number of people trying to file claims. UPDATE: Michigan implements unemployment filing schedule based on last name“Through Gov.