Michigan – Warning: Phone Scam
The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) issued a warning to residents of a scam circulating where an individual who identifies as a UIA Human Resources Manager (or similar) calls, indicating that the state agency owes you money, but in order to receive that money, you must pay a fee. The UIA does not, at any time, require a fee to receive applicable unemployment insurance benefits.
A similar scam was reported earlier this year that targeted North Dakota residents, so it is important for everyone, not just Michigan residents, to be on alert.
Anyone who receives a call that claims to be from the UIA or other state workforce agency, should call the agency directly to confirm the legitimacy of the outreach and be wary, especially if being asked for a fee/money.
The Michigan UIA included some helpful reminders to avoid becoming a victim of the latest scam. These are applicable across the country, regardless of the workforce agency in question, and include:
- Do not click on links in emails that you were not expecting. Instead, go directly to the website and view information there.
- Verify directly with the agency if you receive an email or phone claiming to be from them.
- State workforce agencies will not randomly text claimants or employers, nor will they ask for information via text or links.
- Do not share personal information if you receive an unanticipated call claiming to be for a state workforce agency.
- If you have an active claim, monitor your account and keep an eye out for any correspondence in your online account and/or received by mail.
Washington – Striking Workers Must Now Search for Work
As of August 21, 2026, the Washington Employment Security Department has clarified and aligned their work search requirements with federal law through emergency rulemaking. Previously, the Department’s rule indicated that workers on strike were considered attached to an employer and were therefore exempt from work search requirements.
Now, updated rulemaking to align with the federal law has removed striking workers from the definition of “attached to an employer” and these claimants must now perform approve work search activities in order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits.
These updated work search requirements apply beginning the week of August 23, 2026 (this week).
West Virginia – Disaster Unemployment Assistance Benefits Available
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to individuals who were affected by severe storms, including straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides from July 21-22, 2026. Impacted individuals in Lewis, Upshur, Pleasants, and Ritchie counties may be eligible for DUA benefits.
As a reminder, DUA is an unemployment insurance benefit made available after a disaster and is only available to individuals who:
- Have applied for and used all regular unemployment benefits from any state, or do not qualify for unemployment benefits.
- Worked or were self-employed or scheduled to begin work or self-employment in the disaster area.
- Can no longer work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster.
- Establish that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform was their primary source of income.
- Cannot perform work or self-employment because of an injury as a direct result of the disaster.
- Became the breadwinner or major support of a household because of the death of the head of household.
Individuals must apply for regular benefits. If they are found ineligible for regular benefits, they will be asked to complete an application for DUA benefits. The application deadline is October 2,2026.