Michigan – Claimant Walk-Ins Now Available at Michigan Unemployment Offices
All 12 local Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) offices are now available to walk-ins, allowing individuals to receive assistance with their unemployment claims without an appointment.
Individuals can still schedule an appointment up to 14 days in advance, but additional assistance is now available to help increase the number of people UIA can assist, while providing faster service.
Additionally, self-service kiosks are available at the five most visited offices—Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, and Sterling Heights—providing claimants access to their online accounts.
Offices are open Monday through Friday, from 8AM – 5PM. Walk-ins will be accepted until 4:20PM, or as capacity allows.
Oregon – 2027 Workers’ Compensation Rates Proposed
A recent proposal from the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services will have employers’ paying, on average, $0.92 per $100 of payroll for workers’ compensation in 2027. In the proposal, the pure premium would increase by 2.1% based on Senate Bill 1519, passed in 2025. Meanwhile, the premium assessment would remain that same, 9.8%. The Workers’ Benefit Fund (WBF) assessment would increase 2.2 cents per hour worked, while a new component of the WBF assessment, the BOLI Expenses Fund—which was created by 2026 House Bill 4027—would add an additional 0.2 center per hour, totaling 2.4 centers per hour worked.
Employers can provide comment on the proposed rated during public hearings on both the premium assessment and WBF assessment, taking place on Thursday, September 17 at 3PM and 4PM PT, respectively. You can also contact the DCBS Director’s Office at P.O. Box 14480, Salem, OR 97309-0405 with any written comments through Thursday, September 24 at 5PM.
Final rates will then be announced after the public comment period ends.
Washington – Rulemaking Brings Work Registration in Line with State and Federal Law, Effective October 9
A new rule will require all claimants to register themselves for work to receive benefits, ensuring they have access to and understand the work registration system and the services available through the system. Currently, state administrative code indicates that the Employment Security Department will register claimants for work. The rule ensures compliance with state and federal law and brings the requirements in line with 2026 system changes.
The rule becomes effective on October 9, 2026.
Washington – Documentation Clarification Added to Layoff Rule, Effective October 10
A 2025 Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) outlined requirements that an employer with 50 or more full-time employees may not close the business or hold a mass layoff until 60 days after providing written notification to both the Employment Security Department and the impacted employees.
Previous phases of rulemaking to implement ESSB 5525 outlined these requirements. Now, a new rule clarifies the specific documentation needed by employers to qualify for an exemption. Specific details, including example documentation, can be found here.
This rule becomes effective on October 10, 2026.
Washington – Act Now! Avoid a Delinquent Tax Rate
Help keep your tax rates low by ensuring your organization’s unemployment filings and payments are up to date by September 30. If it is determined you have a delinquent account, an additional 1-2% will be added to your regular tax rate plus the maximum social tax rate will be attributed to your account.
Even if you cannot pay the balance owed, you can avoid these penalties rates via a deferred payment contract. Email the Washington Collections Unit at [email protected] to learn more and set up an agreement of payment with the state.