DECEMBER 21, 2006 - Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) will have its toll-free phone lines open for six days over the upcoming two-week holiday period to take unemployment claims, while its online system will be available to accept claims at just about any time during the holidays.

Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) Acting Director Liza Estlund Olson advised workers that the agency's toll-free telephone system for taking new applications for unemployment benefits will be available for three days during Christmas week and three days during New Year's week.

"Our toll-free phone line - 1-866-500-0017 - will be open from Wednesday, December 27, through Friday, December 29, and from Wednesday, January 3, 2007, through Friday, January 5," Estlund Olson said.  "During these six days, the system will accept claims for unemployment benefits by phone from unemployed workers at any time between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

"Callers may find it easier to get through and file their claims if they call in after 1:00 p.m., when call volumes start to drop off from their heavy morning levels," Estlund Olson advised.

While the call-in schedule for the agency's telephone-filed claims system will be adjusted over the holidays, UIA's Internet system for taking claims will continue its normal hours of operation, which are from 7:00 a.m. Monday through 7:00 p.m. Saturday (Eastern Time).  Online claims can be filed at the agency's website (www.michigan.gov/uia).

"For those who have already filed for unemployment benefits, our automated MARVIN system will also continue its normal hours throughout the holidays," Estlund Olson said.  "MARVIN will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, but callers must follow a call-in schedule that is based on their Social Security numbers.  The schedule is listed in the handbook they receive when they file their claims."

Those with unemployment claims must call MARVIN once every two weeks to certify about their continuing eligibility for jobless benefits.