The State of Michigan is offering jobless workers a way of cutting through unemployment lines by filing their claims for jobless benefits through the mail.

"Starting today (Oct, 28), we are offering unemployed workers throughout the state the convenience of filing for unemployment benefits by mail instead of standing in line at one of our local office," said Jack Wheatley, director of Michigan's Bureau of Workers and Unemployment Compensation.

Mail applications for jobless benefits are available at Workers and Unemployment Compensation offices, at most Michigan Works! service centers and at the bureau's website, www.michigan.gov.bwuc, where it can be downloaded and then filled out. The address to where to send the form are listed on the application.

The claim by mail application process is temporary and will be offered until the bureau introduces its process for taking unemployment by telephone in December or early January.