| Dear Friends and Neighbors,
During this difficult time in our state and country, I want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information about our response to COVID-19. Please join me for a virtual coffee hour on Monday, June 1, at 10:30 a.m. I will provide a state and county level update along with answering any questions you may have. Register here in advance if you would like to take part. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
UIA Update
The U.S. Secret Service and the Office of Inspector General are working with states across the country to reduce the risk of international criminals attempting to unlawfully access unemployment benefits at a time when residents need that support the most.
Although Michigan hasn’t been targeted yet, the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is proactively taking steps to authenticate claims — including asking some claimants to submit additional information. If you or someone you know has received a notice regarding your claim, you’ll find more information below.
For claims that require additional information:
- The UIA will send residents Form UIA 6347 Request for Identity Verification by U.S. Postal Service mail, which will provide a mailing address or fax number for submitting ID verification documents.
- For faster processing, UIA encourages residents to upload copies of the requested documents electronically to their Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM).
In addition to Form UIA 6347, residents will also be asked to provide their:
- US Passport or US Passport Card,
- Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card
OR
- Driver’s licenses or ID card AND
- Social Security Card, or
- Original or certified copy of birth certificate
How to upload documents to MiWAM:
- Login to MiWAM account and under “I Want To”, click “Send Unemployment a Message” to upload required documents. Documents may be sent by message 24/7.
Tips to Prevent Unemployment Identity Theft
When individuals file a claim for unemployment, they receive a written Monetary Determination letter. If you receive this letter and have not applied for benefits, or the name listed is not yours, be sure to contact UIA immediately online at Michigan.gov/UIA and click on the “Report Identity Theft” icon or call the customer service hotline at (866) 500-0017.
If you believe you’re the victim of identity theft, you can place fraud alerts on your credit reports for free through Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You only need to contact one credit bureau and they will contact the others for you.
Always remember:
- Guard your Social security number. Give it out only when absolutely necessary.
- Never respond to unsolicited requests for personal information like your name, birth date or bank account number by phone, mail or online.
- Shred your receipts, credit card offers, account statements and expired cards to prevent individuals from acquiring your personal information.
- Review your credit report at least once a year to be certain it doesn’t include accounts you haven’t opened.
- You can access your free annual credit reports from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax at com or by calling (877) 322-8228.
You can find additional tips to keep yourself protected by clicking here.
|
