When should I apply for unemployment in Wisconsin? How much will I receive, and answers to other questions
If you've recently become unemployed, it can be overwhelming to navigate the process to access unemployment benefits in Wisconsin.
How do you apply? Are you eligible? Here's everything you need to know about filing your claim.
When should I apply for unemployment benefits in Wisconsin?
You can apply for unemployment benefits if:
You are completely unemployed
Your weekly earnings have been reduced
You expect you'll be laid off within the next 13 weeks and would like to start your benefit year, which is the 52-week period that starts with the week your initial claim is filed
You're participating in the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which helps workers who lose their jobs due to foreign competition, including work being moved outside the U.S.
If you've worked in Wisconsin in the last 18 months, then you should file in Wisconsin, even if you now live in another state.
Am I eligible for unemployment benefits?
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development reviews the following criteria to determine if you're eligible for unemployment benefits:
You must have earned sufficient wages in the year to 18 months prior to filing your claim.
The reason you are no longer employed will determine whether you can receive benefits. You may not receive benefits if you left your job without good cause, were fired for misconduct or refused work without good cause.
To be eligible, you must also be actively looking for work and authorized to work in the U.S.
How do I apply for unemployment in Wisconsin?
Go to my unemployment.wisconsin.gov and read and accept the terms and conditions. Create a username and password and login to complete your application. You can access the Spanish version of the claims portal by selecting the "Español" link on the login page.
Online services are available to apply for benefits at the following times:
Sunday: 12 p.m to 5 p.m.
Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. 2:30 p.m.
If you can't file online, you can call a claims specialist at 414-435-7069 or 844-910-366 during business hours.
What information do you need to apply?
Make sure you have the following information ready:
A username and password
A valid email address or mobile phone number
Your current address
Your current social security number
If you have one, your Wisconsin driver license or identification number
Your work history for the last 18 months including your employers' business name, addresses, phone number, the first and last dates of work with each employer and the reason for no longer working with each employer
If you're not a U.S. citizen, you'll need your alien registration number, document number and expiration date
If you served in the military in the last 18 months, you'll need Form -214
If you're a federal civilian employee, you'll need Form SF-50 or SF-8
If you're a union member, you'll need the name and local number of your union hall
If you want your benefits deposited directly to your bank account, you'll need your bank's routing number and your account number
How much can you get in unemployment benefits in Wisconsin?
It depends. If you qualify, your weekly rate is 4% of the wages you were paid during the highest-paid quarter in the year your initial claim application is filed. If your weekly rate is less than $54, you do not qualify for unemployment insurance.
The Department of Workforce Development has an online weekly benefit rate calculator that'll calculate an estimate of what you might receive in benefits.
What's the highest amount of unemployment benefits you can receive?
The Wisconsin unemployment rate provides a maximum of $370 per week.
Do I have to wait a week to get unemployment benefits?
Yes. Wisconsinites have to wait a week before accessing unemployment benefits. Make sure you apply the first week you're unemployed and don't wait until the week is over.
The Republican-controlled legislature passed the law requiring unemployed residents to wait a week before they could claim benefits a decade ago to increase the state's unemployment fund. Lawmakers lifted the rule during the early parts of the pandemic but it has since been reinstated.
If you're eligible for unemployment benefits, you can receive them through direct deposit or a prepaid debit card. You can update your payment method at any time.
Do I have to file a claim every week to maintain my benefits?
Yes. You must complete the initial claim application and file a weekly claim certification for each week that you want an unemployment benefit payment. Make sure to wait until after Saturday to file a weekly claim certification for the calendar week.
You'll also need to register with the Job Center of Wisconsin within 14 days after filing your initial claim application for benefits. You'll need to perform at least four searches for work each week unless the work search requirement is waived.
If you're working during a week that you claim benefits, you'll also have to report your gross earnings.
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin unemployment benefits: How to apply, how much you can get
