Final Major Step Completed on Michigan's System For Taking Jobless Claims Online Almost every worker can now file through the Internet DETROIT, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The state of Michigan has completed work on the last major phase of its Internet system for taking jobless claims online. "We have completed the major unfinished piece of our Internet-based system for accepting unemployment benefit claims," David Plawecki, deputy director of Michigan's Department of Consumer & Industry Services, said, "which opens the system to just about any worker who wants to file a claim online." The state has eliminated the requirement that unemployed workers must have filed an unemployment claim within the previous 10 years in order to file a claim through the Internet. Unemployed workers can file a new unemployment claim or reopen an established claim by visiting the state Bureau of Workers' & Unemployment Compensation (BW&UC) website at http://www.michigan.gov/bwuc . Plawecki, who oversees the BW&UC, pointed out that filing an unemployment claim online is fast, easy and a tremendous convenience for the unemployed. "It takes between 30 and 45 minutes and all it requires is a computer with Internet access, which means many will be able to file their claims from their homes," Plawecki said. The bureau's website accepts online claims applications Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., including holidays that fall on weekdays. To file a new claim online, the key requirements for unemployed workers are that they: * Live in and have worked only in Michigan during the past 18 months; and * Have no wages from the federal government. The website uses an interactive application for unemployment benefits. Jobless workers will be prompted to answer a series of questions as the bureau collects the information needed to establish a claim. Those applying for unemployment benefits online are still required to register for employment at their local Michigan Works! service center, if they are not returning to work within 120 days. Unemployment benefits cannot be paid unless workers place their resumes in the Michigan Talent Bank. Those who have filed claims by Internet or telephone within the past 60 days and have a problem or question about their unemployment claim can call the telephone-filed claims toll-free hotline at 1-866-500-0017 for assistance. Inquiries can be made through the claims hotline on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Bureau also operates a general question toll-free customer service answer line at 1-800-638-3995 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bureau of Workers' & Unemployment Compensation news releases are available at the bureau's website (http://www.michigan.gov/bwuc ) DATASOURCE: Bureau of Workers' & Unemployment Compensation CONTACT: Norm Isotalo of Bureau of Workers' & Unemployment Compensation, +1-313-456-2939, Web site: http://www.michigan.gov/bwuc

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