I've been in your exact shoes and it's incredibly frustrating! Here are some additional strategies that have worked for me and others I know: **Phone tactics:** - Try calling the main line AND the employer line - sometimes one has shorter wait times - If you get disconnected, call back immediately - you might get lucky and skip some of the queue - Consider using a auto-redial app if your phone supports it **Alternative approaches:** - Email your local unemployment office directly (many have specific email addresses for disputes) - File a complaint with the Michigan Department of Labor if the delays are affecting your benefits - Check if your area has unemployment assistance programs or legal aid that can help navigate disputes **Documentation is key:** - Screenshot everything in your MiWAM account - Keep copies of all pay stubs, employment letters, and any correspondence - Write a clear timeline of events for your dispute The most important thing is DON'T GIVE UP. I know it feels hopeless, but every person I know who kept trying eventually got through. The system is overwhelmed but it does work eventually. You've got this! 💪 Also, once you do get through, ask the agent about the best times to call for future issues - some are actually helpful about sharing when lines are less busy.

I'm going through the exact same frustrating situation! Been trying to reach them for over a week now with no success. One thing I've started doing is calling from different devices - sometimes my cell phone gets the busy signal but my landline gets through to the hold queue (or vice versa). Also, I've been trying the "press 0" trick during the automated menu to see if it routes to a general operator who might be able to transfer me. Haven't had success yet, but figured it's worth mentioning in case it works for someone else. The whole system is absolutely broken and it's infuriating that we have to become detectives just to dispute basic information on our own claims. Hang in there - from reading all these comments, it seems like persistence really is the only way through this mess! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the "pending adjudication" limbo is absolutely brutal and you're definitely not alone! I just got through a similar situation last month after being stuck for almost 3 weeks. Here's what finally worked for me: I started calling at exactly 7:58 AM (a couple minutes before they officially open) and would redial constantly until I got through. It took about 6 days of this routine, but when I finally reached someone, they told me they just needed to verify my reason for separation with my previous employer - something that took literally 3 minutes to resolve once I had a human on the line. The whole experience made me realize how broken the communication is in this system. Keep certifying your weekly claims no matter what, document everything with dates and times, and don't lose hope. Most of these adjudication holds are for minor verification issues that get cleared up quickly once you make contact. You've got this! 💪

I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now - going on day 5 of "pending adjudication" and it's driving me absolutely crazy! The worst part is they give you literally zero information about what they're reviewing or how long it might take. I've been following all the advice in this thread about calling at 8 AM sharp, but so far just getting busy signals. One thing I noticed though - I checked my MiWAM account this morning and there was actually a new "determination" tab that wasn't there before, but it's still empty. Not sure if that means anything, but figured I'd mention it in case others want to check for new sections appearing. This whole system is such a nightmare but at least we're all suffering through it together! 😅 Thanks OP for starting this thread - it's been super helpful reading everyone's experiences and strategies.

Im so fed up with this. cant pay rent, cant buy food. meanwhile these govt workers get paid to ignore us. its not fair man

I'm in the same boat - been waiting about 5 weeks now with zero updates. The whole system feels like it's designed to wear us down until we just give up. I've tried calling dozens of times but can never get through. The automated system just tells me to wait for updates online, which never come. It's especially frustrating because I know people who filed after me and already got their benefits. Has anyone figured out what actually triggers them to review claims? There has to be some rhyme or reason to it, right?

To all those having trouble reaching a human at Michigan Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/YmVM-26U2rM

I had to backdate my claim last year and it was a real hassle. You need to call the UIA customer service line (1-866-500-0017) and specifically ask to speak with someone about backdating your claim. Make sure you have documentation ready showing why you weren't able to file on time - like medical records, job termination papers, or proof you didn't know you were eligible. They'll ask for a good cause reason. Be prepared to wait on hold for a long time, but don't give up. Once you get through, they can process the backdate request. It took about 2-3 weeks for mine to be approved. Good luck!