Since Monday, when Michigan's governor ordered a temporary expansion of unemployment benefits, applicants are complaining that the state labor department website appears to be overwhelmed and keeps giving them an error message.

As a result, they said they can't filing for unemployment benefits. The error message that pops up says: "The server encountered an error processing the request. See server logs for more details."

But, the labor department says the site is working, it's just "running slow."

"We are working with our IT team to monitor the system," Erica Quealyand, a communications manager with the labor department said, adding that the state aims to "ensure the site remains available for employees facing unemployment."

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered a temporary expansion of unemployment benefits to cover workers who are sick, quarantined, immunocompromised or have an unanticipated family care responsibility.

If approved, the benefits pay up to $362 a week.

Unemployment compensation is available to folks who are temporarily out of work at no fault of their own.

State officials recommend applying for the benefit online at www.michigan.gov/uia, especially now, while many state employees are working remotely and call volume is up. Expect the process to take about 30 minutes.

Applicants also can call 866-500-0017.

Read more:

Whitmer expands unemployment benefits in Michigan due to COVID-19

Out-of-work writer thought emailed money was fake. Then teared over gift

To file, you will need your Social Security number; your driver's license; the names, addresses and federal ID number of your former employer, and if you are not a citizen, your alien registration number.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com