I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare! Been calling for almost 2 weeks now and it's like trying to win the lottery. What's really helped me is setting up a routine - I call right at 8 AM, then again around 11:30 AM, and once more around 2 PM. I've noticed that sometimes the afternoon calls have slightly better luck getting into the queue. Also, when I do get the "all circuits busy" message, I've been hanging up and immediately redialing instead of waiting - sometimes it takes 40+ attempts but eventually I'll get through to the hold music. The key thing I've learned is to NEVER hang up once you're on hold, no matter how long the estimated wait time is. I waited 3.5 hours yesterday but finally got through and was able to submit my dispute! Keep all your documents ready and write down exactly what you need to say before calling. Don't give up - this system is absolutely broken but persistence does pay off eventually. We shouldn't have to go through this just to access our own benefits! 🙄

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the system really is broken right now. I've been through the same nightmare trying to get through to dispute incorrect employer information. Here's what finally worked for me after 3 weeks of trying: **Timing is everything:** Call exactly at 7:59 AM and start hitting redial the second it hits 8:00. Don't wait even 10 seconds. **The redial game:** When you get "all circuits busy," hang up IMMEDIATELY and redial. I did this 50+ times some mornings but eventually got through to hold music. **Never give up on hold:** Once you hear hold music, DO NOT hang up no matter what the wait time says. I waited 4+ hours twice but got through both times. **Have everything ready:** Claim number, SSN, specific dates/wages to dispute, employer contact info, any supporting documents uploaded to MiWAM already. **Alternative route:** Try sending a secure message through MiWAM as backup while you keep calling. Some disputes can be handled that way. **State rep help:** If you get desperate, contact your state representative's office. They sometimes have direct lines to UIA and can escalate urgent cases. The whole situation is absolutely ridiculous and we shouldn't have to jump through these hoops for our own benefits. But don't lose hope - persistence really does pay off eventually. You've got this! 💪

Ugh, I'm so sorry you're going through this too! I've been stuck in "pending adjudication" for almost 2 weeks now and it's honestly one of the most stressful experiences I've ever had. The complete lack of communication is what gets me the most - like, just tell us what you need instead of leaving us in limbo! I've been trying the 8 AM calling strategy that everyone mentions and finally got through yesterday. Turns out they just needed to verify some basic employment info that literally took 2 minutes to confirm. TWO MINUTES for weeks of stress! 🤦‍♀️ Keep calling every morning, keep certifying your claims, and definitely check your account multiple times a day for random updates. The system is absolutely broken but most people do eventually get through it. Sending you strength! 💪

I'm currently going through this exact same nightmare! Been stuck in "pending adjudication" for 8 days now and it's absolutely maddening. Reading through all these comments has been both reassuring and infuriating - reassuring to know I'm not alone, but infuriating to see how widespread this problem is. The lack of transparency is what kills me the most. Like, just send us a simple message saying "we need to verify X" instead of leaving us in this anxiety-inducing limbo! I'm definitely going to start the 8 AM sharp calling strategy tomorrow morning. It's wild that we have to treat getting through to unemployment like we're trying to buy concert tickets, but if that's what it takes, I'm ready to do it. Thanks OP for starting this thread - it's been incredibly helpful to read everyone's strategies and know that most people do eventually get through this bureaucratic maze. We've got this! 💪

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!

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?