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Michigan’s online filing system causing frustration for filers

ALPENA, Mich -In the wake of the COVID–19 pandemic unemployment numbers have reached historic highs leaving many unsuccessful in getting through to Michigan’s online unemployment filing system.

In April the national unemployment rate grew from 10.3 percentage points to 14.7%.

In Michigan the jobless rate rose in April to 22.7%  reported to be the highest since at least 1976.

The most recent U.S. Department of Labor report showed over one million have applied for unemployment benefits in Michigan between March and April.

This has resulted in Michigan’s unemployment online filing system to become overloaded causing frustration for unemployed workers.

In response Steve Gray said they were working to handle the influx of applications and calls that overloaded system.

Some of these solutions have been applying online during off–peak hours and applying during your scheduled time based on the first letter of your last name.

The alternative solutions have still left some people unsuccessful in their attempts to file for unemployment.

For example, one local resident, Leann Hanner shared her frustrating experience.

We reached out to a Michigan state representative for a reply and are still awaiting a response.