Recently unemployed? Here’s what you need to know!
The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has interrupted the lives of everyone in our community. West Michigan, along with the rest of the country, is seeing spikes in unemployment due to measures to limit the spread of the virus.
If you have recently become unemployed, here are some important changes you need to be aware of:
Filing for Unemployment
Your first step is still to file for unemployment with the Unemployment Insurance Agency. You can do this by phone, 866-500-0017, or online at michigan.gov/UIA. However, you don’t need to go to a Michigan Works! service center to register in-person for work. The State of Michigan has temporarily waived that requirement.
Michigan Works! Services
Virtual Services Only
To minimize the spread of COVID-19, Michigan Works! service centers will be delivering services by phone, online or other virtual technologies only. To speak with a West Michigan Works! staff member, call your local service center. You can find phone numbers for all locations on our contact page. Or, call 1-800-825-WORK (9675) to be connected with the nearest Michigan Works! office.
Non-essential Services Cancelled
All activities such as workshops, orientations, hiring events and other group activities are cancelled until further notice.
Keep your Job Search Active
Even though some services have been suspended for now, there are still ways to keep your job search active:
- Search job openings on Pure Michigan Talent Connect.
- Sign up for the Weekly Hot Jobs. Employers are hiring and many are looking for temporary workers. You’ll find them all in this weekly email.
- Explore careers on O*NET Online.
We’re here for you!
While we’ve had to make some changes to our service delivery, we’re still here to help you take your next step. If you have questions, send us an email at westmiworks.org. One of our career coaches will respond as soon as they are able.
