As the pandemic-induced economic downturn continues to affect the Wisconsinites, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has announced extended unemployment benefits in the state. This post will tell you who qualifies for the extended unemployment benefits in Wisconsin and how to apply for the program.

More About The Extended Unemployment Benefits In Wisconsin?

On Wednesday, December 2, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development announced that the residents could begin applying for the Extended Benefits (EB). The Department could trigger EB because the state’s unemployment rate had reached its threshold level. Under the Extended Benefits program, the residents can receive Unemployment Insurance (UI) for an additional 13 weeks.

The first payable week under this program is retroactive to the week ending May 23, 2020, or the first week after a claimant has exhausted all their benefits received through the regular and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program. The last payable week is the week ending November 2020. 

Who Qualifies For The Extended Unemployment Benefits In Wisconsin?

One should meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for the extended unemployment benefits in Wisconsin. They include: 

• Should exhaust all benefits received through the regular unemployment program
• Should exhaust benefits received through the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program 
• Shouldn’t qualify for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program 

How To Apply For The Extended Unemployment Benefits In Wisconsin?

Individuals who have run out of regular unemployment benefits or PEUC will have to apply with the Department. Wisconsin extended unemployment benefits application can be found in the “Important Messages” section of the claimant portal dashboard. 

Individuals who have exhausted benefits but are no longer claiming them will be notified of EB eligibility through the mail. 

How Much Benefits Will You Receive Under The Extended Benefits Program?

You will receive the same amount as you receive through the regular unemployment program. The maximum unemployment benefits in Wisconsin $370, and the minimum is $54. 

Will You Receive Extended Benefits If You Are Recently Unemployed? 

No, you will not receive Extended Benefits if you have lost your job recently. However, you can apply for a regular Unemployment Insurance program. 

Note that to qualify for regular unemployment benefits in Wisconsin, you must meet several eligibility criteria. Some of them include: 

• You are fully or partially unemployed through no fault of your own
• Your weekly earnings are reduced 
• You have worked for minimum numbers of hours 
• You have earned minimum wages

Normally, the Department requires you to meet work search requirements as well. But this requirement is currently waived off due to the pandemic. 

Documents Required 

You will have to provide several details while applying for the Wisconsin unemployment benefits. They include: 

• Your name 
• Your address
• Your employers’ name
• Your Social Security Number
• Your phone number and email address
• Your employers’ contact information
• Alien Registration Number, if you are a non-U.S. citizen

Applying For Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits

You can apply for Wisconsin unemployment benefits in 6 simple steps. 

Step 1– Visit my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov

Step 2 – Carefully read the terms and conditions 

Step 3 – Generate a username and password 

Step 4 – Login to your account

Step 5 – Fill the application 

Step 6 – Submit the application

The Department will review your application and mail you the amount of benefits you will receive. If you do not qualify, the Department will send a notice indicating why your claim was rejected. However, if you believe that you are eligible for benefits, you can file an unemployment appeal. 

Note that you do not qualify for the regular unemployment benefits if you are a gig-worker or self-employed. However, you may be eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program announced under the CARES Act. The program provides benefits up to 39 weeks and is scheduled to end on December 26, 2020. 

The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides benefits for those who otherwise do not qualify for benefits like the self-employed, independent contractors, and gig-workers. 

Final Words 

With the Extended Benefits, you can now collect benefits for a total of 52 weeks in Wisconsin. If you are staying in Wisconsin, and have exhausted all your benefits, quickly file an initial application, collect your payments and meet your basic needs. 

 

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