How to verify your identity using the new tool

• • Log into your MiWAM Account at michigan.gov/uia
  • Under “Alerts” on your dashboard click the “VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY HERE” link.
  • Enter the Letter ID, found on Form UIA 6347, Request for Identity Verification
  • Upload ID verification documents
  • Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation of submission.
  • You will receive a notice once your identification has been verified.

If you no longer have Form UIA 6347, you will need to follow the steps previously emailed to you by Michigan UIA to send Michigan UIA a message. Click on the “Send Unemployment a Message” link under the “I Want To” tab. There you can send a message and attach a copy of your identity verification documents.

Michigan UIA currently has more than 350 agency employees dedicated to quickly authenticate legitimate accounts, with additional staff being added, bringing the total number of customer facing staff to more than 2,000. These staff are working around the clock to process claims and pay benefits.

If any further information is needed, UIA will contact you by phone from our customer service line, 866.500.0017. There is no need to contact UIA.

Accepted ID Verification Documents are listed below. For a complete list of other acceptable documents, go to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

• • • US Passport or US Passport Card,
    • Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card,

       OR

• • • Driver’s license or ID card

      AND

• • • Social Security Card, or
    • Original or certified copy of birth certificate

This is done to help protect the integrity of the unemployment insurance system, while making sure you get the benefits you deserve.

If a worker files a claim for unemployment insurance, they will receive a written Monetary Determination letter. If you receive this letter (Form UIA 1575C) and you have not applied for unemployment benefits, or the name on the form is not yours, you may be a victim of identity theft. If this happens, contact the UIA immediately online at Michigan.gov/UIA  through the Report Identity Theft link.

Additional tips on how to protect against unemployment identity theft:

• • Guard your Social Security number. Give out the number only when absolutely necessary, and don’t carry your Social Security card with you.
  • Don’t respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (your name, birthdate, social security number, or bank account number) by phone, mail, or online.
  • Shred receipts, credit offers, account statements, and expired cards, to prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.
  • Review your credit report at least once a year to be certain that it doesn’t include accounts that you have not opened. Check it more frequently if you suspect someone has gained access to your account information.
  • Contact the Unemployment Insurance Agency immediately to report the fraud. Report fraud online at Michigan.gov/UIA through the Report Fraud or Report Identity Theft link.
  • Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports. A fraud alert is free, and it will make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. To place a fraud alert, contact one of the three credit bureaus listed below. The company that you contact must tell the other two.
• • Experian.com/fraudalert
  • TransUnion.com/fraud
  • Equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance
• • • • Get your free credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at Annual Credit Report or call 877.322.8228.
      • In instances where it is confirmed that a payment has been made as a result of unemployment identity theft, report the payment to the IRS as a fraudulent payment by completing an IRS affidavit, Form 14039.
      • Obtain the form online at IRS.gov Click on “Forms and instructions.”
      • For more resources for victims of identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s web site at IRS.gov for the most up-to-date information on combating identity theft.