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LANSING -- The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency is expanding in-person service by introducing a new walk-in option at all 12 local offices throughout the state, including Marquette.
This marks the first time since before the pandemic that walk-in service has been available for all offices, restoring accessibility while continuing safety improvements introduced in recent years.
Workers can choose to schedule an appointment up to 14 days in advance or walk in without an appointment. Appointments remain the priority, but walk-ins are welcome as capacity allows.
All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins will be accepted until 4:20 p.m., or as capacity allows. The Marquette office is at 1498 O'Dovero Dr., Ste. 2.
All visitors must check in with a guard at the door and provide a photo ID, enhancing both safety and service coordination. Those without an appointment may wait to be seen or can scan a QR code to schedule a return visit at a time that is convenient.
"While online tools are often the fastest and easiest way to get help, we also know that sometimes people need a bit more -- and that's why we're making it easier to meet with a real person when you need that support," said Jason Palmer, UIA director. "For the first time since before the pandemic, people can walk in unscheduled to an unemployment office and get face-to-face support in a safe, organized environment. By giving people more options -- appointments, walk-in visits, or self-service kiosks, along with many online tools -- we're improving access and making it easier for people to get timely, accurate help when they need it."
The updated service model is expected to increase the number of people UIA can help each day and enable faster service. Previously, appointments were limited to 20 minutes, but staff can now spend the time needed with each customer and move directly to the next as soon as they are available.
The quickest and easiest way to perform many unemployment duties without assistance from UIA staff is through a MiWAM account.
In addition to visiting an office, workers have many ways to get help online. They can schedule an in-person, virtual, or phone appointment at Michigan.gov/UIA, chat with staff through their MiWAM account Monday through Friday, or use UIA's online chatbot for quick answers to common questions. A wide range of FAQs, videos, and toolkits are also available at Michigan.gov/UIA.
New self-service kiosks are also available at the five largest and most visited offices -- Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw and Sterling Heights.