(WWJ) Michigan's unemployment benefits website was down pretty much all day Monday — on the first day that unemployment applications opened up for self-employed, gig workers, independent contractors and others newly eligible under a federal aid package were able to apply.
Users could access the site at Michigan.gov/UIA, but most, when clicking on the "for employees" tab got an error message.
The site went down mid-morning and was back up and functioning by around 5:30 p.m.
A spokesman for the state Department of Technology, Management and Budget said state networks and applications have been experiencing "performance issues" causing some online services to be temporarily unavailable.
As Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency has been deluged by people seeking benefits, officials encourages people to use off-peak times 8 p.m. – 8 a.m. to file their claim.
It also urges people to file a claim based on the following schedule:
- Last names beginning with letters A-L: file claims on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays.
- Last names beginning with letters M-Z: file claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
- Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.
This came as 800,000 Michiganders have applied for unemployment since March 15. Amid historical demand, state officials say all eligible workers will receive benefits.
Get more information about who can apply and how to do AT THIS LINK
