DETROT – As unemployment insurance claims continue to flood the state’s system at a record rate, Michigan Works! is working with the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to assist Michigan residents with questions about filing for unemployment. Luann Dunsford, Michigan Works! “In its 33 years of existence, the Michigan Works! “In good times, and in bad, Michigan Works!

The virus has put a lot of people out of work -- new numbers released Thursday morning show a record-breaking 16.6 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the virus began. More than 6 million have filed in April alone -- 384,000 in Michigan. Over the last three weeks, there has been a 5,000% increase in unemployment filings compared to the three weeks prior. However, the 6.6 million that filed nationwide last week is down from the 6.9 million that reported the week before. The state said it had to bring in more people in order to take care of the rise in unemployment claims.

DETROT – Michigan is expanding hours and staff to better handle demand for unemployment during the coronavirus outbreak. The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is adding staff and hours to better serve an unprecedented increase in customers filing unemployment claims as a result of COVID-19. Customers in the call center and online chat queues before closing time will have their calls or chats resolved that day. All Eligible Workers Will Receive Benefits: The UIA assures every eligible worker in Michigan who applies for unemployment benefits will receive them. Last names beginning with letters M-Z: file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.

DETROT – Michigan is taking its benefit application system down on Friday night to make upgrades to the system, which has been overwhelmed by demand in the last two weeks. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget will temporarily take the MILogin application offline overnight tonight in order to make upgrades to the system to allow for greater capacity to handle the unprecedented volume required during the COVID-19 emergency. MILogin is the single-sign-on portal to access critical state services that have seen a sharp increase in transactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many state applications such as Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM) for unemployment benefits and MI Bridges to apply for food assistance utilize MILogin. Related: Michigan implements unemployment filing schedule based on last name