Unemployment agency free legal aid program adds advocates, increases pay

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) has added six legal experts to its Advocacy Program and boosted pay by 30 percent as part of a top-to-bottom transformation of the agency aimed at rethinking how it provides resources and support to workers and employers who rely on the services UIA provides.

Beginning this month, 32 advocates are available at no cost to claimants or employers to help prepare appeals of UIA decisions on unemployment benefit applications.

“We listened and responded when the people we serve told us they needed more help with their claims,” UIA Director Julia Dale said. “Our call for new advocates was well received and demonstrates our commitment to providing exemplary customer service. We hope workers use this important resource as well as our new UIA Claimant Roadmap and First-time Filer Coaching Sessions to help guide them through the process to apply for and claim jobless benefits.”

This is the first time since 2019 that pay has been increased for advocates, who are independent contractors and not UIA employees. They will now receive $65 for consultations and $130 for hearing representations.

Although advocates do not have to be an attorney, they must be knowledgeable about unemployment law and pass a rigorous test administered by the UIA.

How the Advocacy Program works

Claimants and employers have a right to dispute benefits determinations by the UIA. After a protest of a UIA decision is filed, agency staff will review the information and make a redetermination. A redetermination can be appealed to an administrative law judge (ALJ).

It is at this point that a claimant or employer can apply to the Advocacy Program for help from an advocate to review their case and prepare for a hearing before an ALJ. ALJs are part of the Michigan Office of Administrative and Hearing Rules (MOAHR).

Since the Advocacy Program was started in 1991 it has provided free legal help to over 260,000 users.

The UIA recruited new advocates in September and expects to do so again in 2024.

Anyone in need of help with a claim or has questions can:

• Speak with an Agent—Schedule an in-person, phone or virtual meeting at Michigan.gov/UIA.

• Call Customer Service—1-866-500-0017 during regular business hours.

• Chat with Ava—The UIA chat bot can answer many questions at Michigan.gov/UIA.