Michigan launches platform replacing 14-year unemployment system

Michigan has launched MiUI, a mobile-friendly unemployment benefits platform replacing the 14-year-old MiWAM system after a week-long transition. Workers, employers and administrators can manage claims online from phones, tablets or computers; benefit certifications and payments now occur weekly rather than every two weeks. The change also ends phone-based claim filing and the MARVIN telephone certification service, while the state says users can get help through local offices, kiosks, customer service and online tutorials. Officials say the new system is intended to simplify routine tasks, improve accessibility and security, and free staff to address more complex claims; people who missed a filing during the outage can submit it afterward without penalties.