Article courtesy of SBAM’s Advocacy and Policy team
Michigan employers are being encouraged to take steps now to prepare for the next phase of the state’s unemployment system modernization, as the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency moves closer to launching benefits functionality in its new MiUI platform on Nov. 9.
The transition marks the beginning of the agency’s move away from the long-running Michigan Web Account Manager, or MiWAM, system, which employers have used for years to manage unemployment insurance responsibilities. Under the new framework, employers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and unemployment claimants will use MiUI for benefits-related functions.
The employer functions for MiUI launched earlier this year, and employers are expected to file quarterly wage reports in the new software. If you have not yet signed into your MiUI account, visit this page to learn more.
In its September employer newsletter, the agency said businesses can take several steps now to ensure a smooth transition before the full system goes live. Chief among them is reviewing account permissions and user roles, particularly for employers that work with outside firms to manage unemployment insurance matters.
UIA officials recently made two new benefits-related roles available within the platform: “Edit Claims Forms Mailing” and “Edit Benefit Charges.” Users assigned those permissions will be able to submit or update separation information, review benefit charges, and protest charges against an employer’s account. The agency noted that some TPAs with existing tax-related permissions may not have automatically received the new benefits roles.
The agency is also encouraging businesses to activate their MiUI accounts in advance of the November rollout. According to UIA, activated accounts will allow employers to directly manage unemployment insurance responsibilities, update account information, and assign responsibilities to TPAs.
The November launch represents another milestone in the state’s effort to modernize its unemployment insurance technology infrastructure following years of criticisms surrounding the performance of aging systems and the challenges experienced during the pandemic-era surge in unemployment filings.
To support the transition, UIA has continued expanding training and educational resources through its MiUI University program, which provides instructional materials, guides, and updates for employers, administrators, and workers.
SBAM members will have an opportunity to learn more about the transition in the coming weeks when Jason Palmer, director of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency, will join SBAM President & CEO Brian Calley for next Monday’s Small Business Briefing discussion focused on the MiUI rollout and what employers should expect as the November implementation date approaches. The Small Business Briefing is held live every Monday at 3pm and can be seen on Facebook or SBAM.org. A recording is also available after the live event on those same sites.
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