05/09/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/09/2024 11:33
Construction included reconfiguring public area, making security upgrades
The Sterling Heights Local Office of the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) reopened this week for in-person appointments following renovations to create a welcoming atmosphere for Michiganders who want to meet with a UIA agent.
The Local Office at 43015 Hayes Rd. in Sterling Heights has a new lobby, furniture, customer service windows, and security upgrades. Anyone who needs in-person help with questions about their claim can go to the Schedule an Appointment page at Michigan.gov/UIA to make an appointment up to 14 days in advance for the Sterling Heights Local Office.
"I want to thank our partners at Michigan Works! for accommodating UIA staff and claimants while our Local Office was undergoing renovations," UIA Director Julia Dale said. "We are confident that visitors who come to our revamped Sterling Heights Local Office will find an inviting and friendly environment when they need help with their claim."
The changes to the Sterling Heights Local Office - and four other Local Offices across the state - are part of the UIA's focus on improving the customer experience and creating a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service.
The temporary closures will not affect phone or virtual appointments with UIA staff, which can be scheduled online. Answers can also be found by using the Chat With An Agent feature through the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM), the Ask Ava chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA, or by calling the Customer Service hotline at 1-866-500-0017 Monday through Friday during normal business hours.
Sterling Heights was the first of five UIA Local Offices to undergo renovations this year, with each project taking about two months to complete. The Saginaw Local Office is in the middle of renovations. The Grand Rapids Local Office closed last week with staff moving to the Department of Health and Human Services office at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Street SE, Grand Rapids to help claimants in person.
In June, the Lansing Local Office is scheduled to close temporarily (with staff moving to the Capital Area Michigan Works! office, 2110 South Cedar Street, Lansing), and the Detroit Local Office is expected to close temporarily in July (with staff moving to office space across the lobby in Cadillac Place, 3024 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit).
Helpful resources for workers
The Local Office renovations are among a wide range of modernization reforms that benefit workers navigating the application process. Other reforms include:
Transforming the UIA
Since being named to lead the UIA in October 2021 - the agency's 11th director in as many years - Director Dale has launched a sweeping transformation of the agency to benefit workers and employers, including:
Need help with a claim or have questions?
Meet 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: Our chatbot can answer many questions at Michigan.gov/UIA.
Guidance for workers
Guidance for employers