Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card Guide
If you have a Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card (Michigan Bank of America Unemployment Card) and have questions about your card, you’ve come to the right place.
In this detailed guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about your Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card, including what to do if you have not received a card, lost card replacement, how to log in online to check your balance, how to speak to a live person at customer service, and much more.
This post will cover:
- What is the Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card?
- Benefits of Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card
- How the Unemployment Debit Card Works
- Activate your Unemployment Debit Card
- Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card Login
- How Do I check my Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
- Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
- Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card FAQs
What is the Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card?
The Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card is used by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to pay unemployment benefits.
It is a MasterCard issued by Bank of America.
If you are approved for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Michigan, your benefit payments are applied to this debit card issued to you through the Bank of America.
You do not need to have a bank account to get and use the Debit Card.
Purchases and withdrawals are limited to the balance on your card.
You can then use the Debit Card to make purchases or withdrawals until the funds are exhausted.
The Debit Card is valid for three (3) years.
Benefits of Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card
There are several benefits to receiving your Michigan Unemployment benefits via the Bank of America issued debit card, versus via a check in the mail.
Here are the key benefits of the Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card and why it is a great alternative to paper checks:
Benefits of the card include:
- Get your money sooner.
- Use it everywhere MasterCard is accepted (in stores, online, and by phone).
- Withdraw cash at ATMs, banks, and stores with cashback options.
- Transfer funds to the financial institution of your choice at no additional cost.
- Be notified when a deposit is made to your card, or when you have a low balance.
- Receive fraud protection from a Zero Liability Policy.
How the Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card Works
Here’s how the cards will work:
Once you are approved for Michigan Unemployment benefits and begin to receive your payments on the Debit Card, Bank of America will create a card in your name.
After your first unemployment insurance payment is authorized, Bank of America will mail the debit card to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS).
You should receive the card within 7-10 days.
Whenever you are due to receive your Michigan Unemployment benefit payment, funds will be sent by Electronic Funds Transfer to your Debit Card.
It is important to note that the Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card is NOT a credit card.
Therefore if you try to use your card for purchases that exceed your balance, your transaction may be declined.
Initial Cards with Zero Balance
In some instances, the State of Michigan generally sends your initial card with a $0.00 balance. Once the State approves your payment they will deposit it to your card.
How do I know if my new Unemployment debit card was mailed to me?
If you do not already have a debit card for unemployment insurance, you will receive one within 7 to 10 days of filing a claim.
The card will not be forwarded by the post office. If you have moved, you need to call the LEO and change your address to have a new card mailed to your new address.
How to Activate the Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card
If you have received the Michigan Unemployment Insurance debit card in the mail, here’s how to activate your card:
Option 1: Activate your card Online.
You can activate your debit card online on the Bank of America Michigan Unemployment Benefit debit card website.
Once there, click on “Activate My Card” as shown in the image below.
Next, you will be asked to enter your debit card number, as shown in the image below.
Once you have entered your debit card number, click “Continue” and follow the instructions to activate your card.
For security reasons you will need:
- the 16-digit number that appears on the face of the card
- the 3-digit card security number that appears on the back of the card
- the last four digits of your social security number.
During the activation process, you will be asked to create a personal identification number (PIN).
The PIN can be used to make ATM withdrawals and PIN purchases
Once the card is activated, you will be given the account balance and may begin using it immediately.
Option 2: Activate your card by Phone
You can activate online or by calling 1.866.436.1964 toll-free.
Once activated, you may use your card.
Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card Login
If you are trying to log in to your debit card, here’s a step-by-step process on how to do so.
Once you are logged in, you can check your card balance, view pending deposits or transactions, or file get information to file a complaint.
Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card Login Guide
To login to the Bank of America online portal, follow the instructions below.
Step 1 – Visit Bank of America Debit Card Website
The first step to logging into your debit card online account is to visit the Bank of America website. Click here to be taken there.
Once on the site, click “Sign In” as shown below.
Step 2 – Enter Your Username
Next, you will be asked to enter your username as shown below.
This is the username you created when you first set up your account online.
If you entered the correct username, you will be asked for a password.
Once you enter the correct password, you will be taken to your account.
Forgot Username?
If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.
Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.
You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.
How Do I check my Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
If you are trying to check the balance on your Bank of America debit card, we can help.
Option 1: Log Into Your Account
The first option to checking the balance on your debit card is to log into your account.
Once there, select sign in to your account by clicking the “Sign in” link.
Next, follow the instructions to enter your Username and password
If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.
Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.
You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.
Option 2: Check Card Balance by Phone
You can also check the balance on your cards and review all your account transaction activity by calling the Customer Service number at 1.866.436.1964.
- There is no fee for online and telephone balance inquiries.
- Sign up for free balance alerts (mobile text message and e-mail) by logging in to your account.
Option 3: Via an ATM
Finally, you can also check your card balance at an ATM.
There is no fee for balance inquiries made at a Bank of America in-network ATM.
To find a Bank of America in-network ATM, click here.
For inquiries made at ATMs other than Bank of America in-network ATMs, the owner of the ATM may charge a fee. Bank of America won’t charge a fee.
Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
If you have questions about the Bank of America debit card, you can call the Bank of America Customer Service Center toll-free at the number below:
Phone (toll-free): 1.866.436.1964
TTY (toll-free): 1.866.656.5913
Outside U.S. (collect): 423.262.1650
Call immediately if your card is lost or stolen
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
It is important to mention that Bank of America representatives cannot answer questions about your unemployment claims or Michigan LEO programs.
If you have questions about your Michigan Unemployment benefits or application, call the LEO at the number below:
Call 1-866-500-0017 – Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you need a Spanish-speaking representative, wait until you hear the option in Spanish.
For all other languages, the customer service representative will connect you to a translator for assistance.
If you are hearing impaired, TTY service is available at 1-866-366-0004
Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card:
Why didn’t I receive my full Michigan unemployment benefit payment this week?
There are several reasons why you did not receive your full benefit this week.
First, it could be because you had excessive earnings for the week you are claiming benefits.
Excessive earnings are when your wages for that week equal or exceed your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA).
In order to receive unemployment benefits (this includes the $600 federal PUC payment) your earnings cannot exceed 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount.
How do I calculate my Earnings for the Week?
Here’s how you can calculate your Michigan Unemployment earnings for the week:
Multiply your hourly rate of pay by the number of hours you worked during the week (Sunday through Saturday).
Also, if you are earning income from a part-time job or are still working, but with reduced hours (underemployed), here’s what you need to know:
You are required to report gross earnings for each week you work and certify for benefits.
Additionally, you must report your total gross earnings (before your taxes are taken out), for the week in which you performed the work, NOT the week in which you received the payment.
Be sure to add all sources of earnings, including vacation pay, pension or retirement, bonus pay, holiday pay, or severance pay.
Lastly, when certifying each week online or by phone, be sure to answer yes when asked if you worked during a specific week.
Then report your total earnings (gross pay) before deductions.
Does child support get taken from Michigan Unemployment benefits?
If your Michigan Unemployment benefit payment is lower than expected and you pay child support, here’s what will happen:
A portion of your weekly benefit amount may have been deducted due to an order from Friend of the Court.
If you have questions concerning the court order, please contact Friend of the Court.
What are the Options for Receiving Michigan Unemployment Benefits?
The preferred way to get Michigan Unemployment benefits is by direct deposit to your bank or credit union account.
However, if you do not have a bank account, you may also choose to receive benefits by the Michigan Unemployment debit card (issued by Bank of America).
How do I get a Replacement Michigan Unemployment Debit Card?
If your Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card is lost or stolen, here’s how to get a replacement.
Contact Bank of America Unemployment Debit Card Service toll-free at 1-866-436-1964.
Alternatively, you can reach customer service online at www.bankofamerica.com/miuiadebitcard.
If the card has been used, the bank will issue the replacement card in the amount of the remaining balance.
How Long Does it take to get a Replacement Unemployment Card?
Your replacement unemployment debit card will arrive within 7-10 business days after you place the request.
If you have not received your card within 14 business days, contact Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1.866.436.1964.
My Replacement Debit Card Was Returned. What Can I do?
If the post office is unable to deliver a replacement Debit Card, it will be returned to Bank of America.
Here’s what you can do:
First, contact the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency to update your address information.
Next, contact the Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1.866.436.1964 to request a new card be mailed to you.
My Michigan Unemployment Card is about to Expire. How do I get a new one?
If your Michigan Bank of America debit card is about to expire or has expired, here’s what you need to know:
One month prior to the expiration date listed on the front of your Debit Card, you will receive a new card with a new expiration date.
You will need to activate your new card and destroy your expired card.
Your card balances and payments will be accessible on your new card after activation.
Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card Summary
Here’s the bottom line:
The Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card is a MasterCard issued by Bank of America.
If you are approved for Unemployment Insurance benefits in Michigan, your benefit payments are applied to this debit card issued to you through the Bank of America.
Also, you do not need to have a bank account to get and use the Debit Card.
Furthermore, purchases and withdrawals are limited to the balance on your card.
If you have questions about the Bank of America debit card, call Customer Service Center toll-free at 1.866.436.1964.
However, if you have questions about your Michigan Unemployment benefits or application, call the LEO at 1-866-500-0017.
Questions?
We hope this post on Michigan UIA Unemployment Debit Card was helpful.
If you have further questions about Unemployment Benefits or Michigan Unemployment benefits specifically, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles on Unemployment Benefits, including:
California EDD Unemployment Debit Card
Nevada Unemployment Debit Card Guide
South Carolina DEW Unemployment Debit Card Guide
Whether Unemployment Benefits are Taxable
List of States Extending Unemployment Benefits
North Carolina Unemployment Debit Card Guide