State officials are warning unemployed workers to avoid using independent Web sites to apply for unemployment benefits.
“There is only one official website that unemployed workers should use when applying for unemployment benefits in Michigan,” said Keith Cooley, director of the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth. “That site belongs to the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency at www.michigan.gov/uia, and there is no fee for using the site.”
He added that UIA’s toll-free claims telephone line 1-866-500-0017 is also the only official phone number workers should call to apply for unemployment benefits in Michigan.
Mr. Cooley issued the warning after learning of a woman in Southwest Michigan who reportedly had filed an unemployment benefit claim through a private Web site and was charged $19.95 plus an ongoing bi-weekly fee.
“There is absolutely no reason why anyone should pay a fee to apply for unemployment benefits,” he declared “Anyone who visits a Web site that charges a fee for processing their application for unemployment benefits should immediately stop and exit that site before they give their credit card number or Social Security number.”
“This sort of Web site preys on those who can least afford it,” Mr. Cooley said. “These independent sites may look official, but they are not authorized by the state of Michigan. In fact, using them could jeopardize or delay a worker’s benefits and expose them to possible identity theft.”
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