"We know how bad the problems are," BWUC Acting Director David Plawecki said of the situation at the Bureau of Workers and Unemployment Compensation. Following are some of the things that may prove helpful to you if you're unemployed.

• The toll-free help line set up by the state's Unemployment Agency has been swamped by up to 100,000 calls a day, Plawecki said, and only a fraction of the calls get through. Here's a little secret: The line is staffed evenings, and there's a little better chance that you can get through between 7-9 p.m. The number: (800) 638-3995.
• Three help centers have been established in the Detroit area for walk-ins. Northwest Detroit: 4321 Oakman. Dearborn: 2901 Gulley Rd. Madison Hts.: 401 E. 13 Mile. All are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Three more walk-in only locations are expected to open soon in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Saginaw. We'll keep you posted.

• As of Jan. 28, workers can go online to file claims for unemployment benefits. Go to: www.michigan.gov/bwuc. The web site is accepting new and additional unemployment claims, but there are some conditions that must be met, including the jobless worker must have worked for only one employer for the last 18 months.
• Michigan estimates that some 75,000 workers will exhaust their state jobless benefits during the first half of this year. All potential recipients of federal unemployment benefits will have been notified by mail by Jan. 28. Applicants who still believe they are eligible can pick up an application at their local Bureau of Workers and Unemployment Compensation or from the state website, www.michigan.gov/bwuc.
• If you live north of Cadillac, and you're filing for additional state jobless money, call this number for help: (866) 500-0017.