Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment insurance is provided by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in the state of Wisconsin. The UI benefits are provided with an intention to bring stability to the citizens of the state at the time of transitioning from one job to another.
The services provided by the DWD also aim to empower the job-seekers in the state by improving their competence through various training programs. The overall objective of the program is to facilitate job-seekers by not only providing monetary stability but also by providing an opportunity to adapt to the changing needs of the job market.
Eligibility to Apply for UI Benefits in Wisconsin
To receive Unemployment Benefits in Wisconsin, the applicants should meet the eligibility criteria set by the DWD. The eligibility criteria are classified into three parts- monetary eligibility, the reason for job-separation from the previous organization, and maintaining eligibility criteria after qualifying for UI benefits.
Monetary Eligibility
The DWD will, first and foremost, evaluate if you qualify for UI benefits based on your wages earned during the base period. You are expected to have earned wages in at least two quarters of your base period in covered employment
To understand the requirements under the monetary benefits, it is necessary to understand some basic definitions and calculations used by the DWD:
Calendar Quarter: A calendar quarter is a set of three months in a base year. Any year will consist of the following calendar quarters:
- January-February-March
- April-May-June
- July-August-September
- October-November-December
Base Period: The first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file for UI benefits. The wages received by the applicants by their ex-employer determine if they qualify for UI benefits or not.
If your benefit period is about to start from January 2019, your base period will start in October 2017. The four quarters in your base period will be:
- October-November-December 2017
- January February-March 2018
- April-May-June 2018
- July-August-September 2018
This consists of the first four of the last five quarters before the beginning of the January-February-March quarter of 2019.
Covered Employment: Your employment will be considered as covered employment if your ex-employer was subjected to unemployment insurance law. It is compulsory for the applicants to have received wages from an employer who pays unemployment insurance taxes to be eligible for UI benefits.
Lag Period: A lag period is a time gap between the end of the base period and the week during which you start your base period. The wages earned during the lag period will not be used to calculate the UI benefits entitlement.
High Quarter: The high quarter is a quarter in your base period during which you receive the highest amount of wages.
Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR): WBR is the UI benefits paid every week to the qualified claimants. The maximum and minimum weekly benefit amount (WBA) in Wisconsin is $370 and $54 respectively. You are expected to have at least $1,350 as wages in your high quarter to be eligible for the minimum WBA.
In order to receive $370 WBA, you must have a minimum of $9,250 as wages in your high quarter. You cannot earn a higher WBA even if your high quarter wages are more, as $370 is the maximum limit set by the DWD.
Qualifying wages: To qualify for UI benefits, you will need to meet the following criteria:
- You must have earned a minimum of $1,350 in the high quarter
- The sum of the wages in the three low quarters must be at least 4 times your WBA
- Your total base period wages must be at least 35 times your WBA
- If you received UI benefits in a prior benefit year which has ended, you must have worked since the beginning of that benefit year and earned at least 8 times the WBR of that claim
Once the DWD evaluates your case, one of the two forms will be sent to you based on the decision taken-
- UCB-700: This will be sent to you if you have enough wages to qualify for UI benefits
- UCB-736: This is sent to you if you do not have enough wages to qualify for UI benefits.
Find out more about eligibility requirements
Job Separation
Establishing monetary eligibility is the first step towards qualifying for UI benefits. Once the monetary eligibility is established, the applicants must submit the reason for separating from the previous organization.
You will be instantly disqualified if any of the below cases apply to you:
- You quit your last job without good cause
- You were fired from your previous job for misconduct, in which case your benefits will be suspended for seven weeks and also until you 14 times your weekly benefit rate
- You lost your due to a strike or any other form of labor-dispute, other than a lockout
The DWD will examine the reasons given by the applicant. The department will also question your last employer about the reason for your job separation. In case if there is a mismatch in your statement and your former employer’s statement, the DWD might withhold your UI benefits.
Eligibility Calculator
Eligibility requirements – overview
Maintaining Eligibility
In the state of Wisconsin proving monetary eligibility and meeting, certain job-separation criteria will let an applicant be eligible for unemployment benefits. It is very important that all claimants maintain their eligibility requirements throughout their entire benefit period. If claimants fail to maintain their eligibility it may lead to a disruption in your weekly benefits.
Applicants must make a note of the following factors to make sure to maintain eligibility while the benefits weeks are going on:
- You must be readily available for work at any given point of time
- Applicants must be actively seeking job opportunities
- Applicants need to be legally authorized to work in the U.S
- An applicant cannot refuse any offer of employment
- Applicants must complete at least four work search actions every week.
All applicants must document their work search requirements throughout the week. Information on the document shows whether the applicant has met all eligibility requirements during the particular week.
Find out on job search requirements
How to Apply For UI Benefits in Wisconsin?
For applicants to apply for benefits make sure to carry the following documents
Online
Applicants can apply for benefits at https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov/ at the following timings:
- Monday – Friday 6: AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday- 9: AM – 2:30 PM
- Sunday 9:AM- 2:30 PM
Once your application is completed you will receive a confirmation of your claim and an instruction form in the mail. The notice also contains the number of benefits you will receive.
If by any chance you fail to qualify for unemployment benefits you will receive a notice telling you why.
Telephone
Claimants can also file claims through a telephone call in Wisconsin. Dial 414-435-7069 anytime between Monday to Friday between 7:35 AM – 3:30 PM.
How to File Weekly Claims
You can file your weekly claim both online and via telephone. Your weekly claim certificate is a claim you file for a particular calendar week. The calendar week for weekly claim starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday. If at all you earn compensations make sure to report it on your weekly claim.
Always file your weekly claim certificate within 14 days at the end of the calendar week for which you are claiming. Always remember you cannot file a claim for a particular week till it has ended.
Learn how to claim weekly benefits
UI Benefits Amount
Benefits Calculator
This UI Benefits Calculator will help you to determine the approximate UI Benefits amount that you can presently receive in the state of Wisconsin.
Know more about the Benefits Calculator
Things to Know After Filing An Application
Once applicants have filed unemployment benefits it is important that applicants acquaint themselves with the rules and regulations associated with UI benefits. It is important that claimants are not subject to overpayments or fraud as they can be serious penalties associated with it in the state of Wisconsin. A host of job training services are also provided to help unemployed job seekers make the most of their benefit period.
Overpayments and Fraud
Preserving the integrity of the unemployment insurance program is very important as it helps only eligible applicants receive UI. Overpayments take place when claimants are paid extra UI benefits for what they are eligible to receive for any week. If payments are paid incompetently the claimant will receive a written document on the overpayment decision. The written document is a legal document that contains the amount of time you have to file an appeal.
Overpayments may occur due to the following reasons:
- Not reporting your earnings during your benefit year
- An appeal which finds you ineligible for the benefits you have received
- An issue regarding your job separation
- A mistake by the department where you receive overpayments of benefits
If claimants received overpayments of benefits it will be deducted from the benefits that the claimant was receiving. If the overpayments are not deducted from the benefits that the claimant receives, and does not respond to the collection letters. The department has full authority to take legal action against the claimant who is receiving unemployment benefits. The department may take the following actions:
- Seize the claimants’ wages and bank account to any extent as per law
- A civil warranty may be issued against the claimants real estate and property
- Claimants may have to provide a state or federal tax refund
Fraud: if claimants intentionally withhold information which in turn affects unemployment benefits. The claimant is committing fraud, the methods used by the department to detect fraud are audit payrolls, crossmatching payroll records with employers within the state and other states. The following factors can constitute fraud against a claimant in Wisconsin:
- Falsifying statements to acquire unemployment benefits for himself/herself or any other person
- Falsely representing any report in connection with the DWD
- Not maintaining adequate records as per the requirements of the DWD
The following action will be taken against the employer if he/she is committing fraud:
- The claimant will receive a benefit reduction of anywhere between two, four or eight times the weekly benefit rate for every week of fraud committed.
- The claimant will also be charged 40% of the overpayment amount from his/her own pocket
- Penalties and fines can range anywhere between $100 to $500 and you can be imprisoned up to 90 days.
The insurance program provided by the state of Wisconsin is a mutual partnership between employers, claimants and the department. It is the claimant’s duty to avoid fraud or any illegal activity while claiming unemployment benefits in the state.
Benefits Extension
No benefit extension programs are available to claimants in the state of Wisconsin. Benefit extensions are only available in the state in times of high unemployment. Claimants should call or visit the DWD to get a better understanding of the present Reemployment Assistance plans available in the state.
Job Training Assistance
The DWD and the Division of Employment and Training (DET) work in sync to implement a program for job seekers. The program is termed as the Re-employment Services program (RES). The main aim of this program is to make sure people get employed as fast as possible. The program offers online services and information that is combined with the Job Center of Wisconsin.
The following services are offered by the Job Center of Wisconsin so that they can get jobs as soon as possible:
- Workforce events are conducted almost daily which in turn helps applicants get jobs faster
- Labor Market Information provides claimants with data tools and several programs so that they can get acquainted with relevant information on the job market
- The Eligible Training Program List provides job seekers with a variety of training options to upskill their skillset
- The center provides job search assistance to all applicants
- Career exploration for both individual and groups
- Resource rooms for applicants to apply for jobs
- Special workshops to help job seekers with resumes, work search skills, and Interview technique
Claimants are selected for the RES once they have fulfilled their requirements to search for work. Also, claimants must have successfully registered on the jobcenterofwisconsin.com and should have received their first UI payment successfully.
I need to know if this would be in good cause to quit my job so I can immediately move to Iowa. I am not sure how I can ensure my case is strong enough for me to collect benefits so I can leave to be somewhere safe due to domestic abuse. I will then be looking for work. The only safe place I can find where I can move right now is 4 hours away making it impossible to continue my employment with my current employer. Would I qualify and how can I prove my case in order to solidify it?
Krystle,
I can understand your situation. You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons. Please check with the Unemployment Office.
I have a question, desperately asking for any answers if you know. Online it says 2 weeks in a row my claims have been DISQUALIFIED. I have not received my Determination letter in the mail yet. I will receive it next week. I spoke to a women named Megan from Wisconsin Unemployment today Friday June 28, 2019 around 8:40am this morning and she told me there will be a Determination Letter being sent out to me. My question is, my claims saying Disqualified Before my determination letter means DENIED Or is there still a decision to be made further?
Ruth,
Please wait for the ‘Determination Letter’ to arrive before taking further action. This letter will contain details of the decision made by the office. If you think you’ve denied on irrelevant grounds, you can ask for an adjudicator and file an appeal.
I have a work waiver from having to look for a job because I am returning to my employer because there is a 12 week layoff. I also have two letters stating that they want me to return to work for 5 of those weeks we are having the layoff.
Other than that there’s no work available. Given that information can I leave the U.S. for a week on one of the weeks I know they are not calling me in? Because I can’t be available for work that’s not available and under our union rules and agreement we only have to be available for the weeks assigned.
And I received a work search waiver so I don’t need to be availalbe to look for jobs because I have a return date stated in a letter.
David,
I do not have an appropriate answer for you in this regard. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.
I was laid off from my regular 40 hour week job. I have been doing some driving as an UBER driver to make some extra money. Am I still able to apply for umemployment while I keep driving for UBER now that I am not working my 40 hours week job?
Diane,
I am not sure of a definite answer to your question. Please call the Unemployment Office for the required information.
If I am eligible for unemployment due to a company close (after the severance period runs out of course) and still am not employed or can only find part time work currently can I still collect partial unemployment?
Suzanne,
Yes, you can be eligible. Please call the Unemployment Office to inquire further.
I recently was employed, but have no health or dental insurance until I am employed for 90 days.Is my state insurance still covering me until my employers kicks in?
I am not sure if you’re referring to the Unemployment Insurance program. If yes, please clarify.
Otherwise, please contact the relevant authority in case of Medical Insurance.
Recently my husband lost his job and was dismissed untimely from his employer on 03/7/17 indefinitely. The letter’s termination said for “not working the entire shift and leaving early on 2/21/17. This claim from the company is not truth because my husband asked to Floor’s Manager for permission due to his health condition which he can demonstrate it evidence letters from his doctor’s GHC Clinic recommended him “work no more then 4 hours per day for the next 2 weeks this evaluation was for heel pain on 02/28/17. Due to continuing pain in his plantar on 03/6/17 the doctor recommended him an injection and he not work the remainder of the day and go back to work with no restrictions on 03/7/17. He show up on 03/7/17 to work and he received a termination letter. Can my husband apply for unemployment benefits? he never requested this type of support. Please advise in order to follow up with you. Thanks.
If his job was terminated wrongfully, he can be eligible to draw UI compensation.
Please ask him to consider applying and keep the required documents handy if the employer raises a dispute.
1st question : Can I receive unemployment for 8 hours of missed work due to ice storm ( unable to drive 35 miles ) ?
2nd question : Can I receive unemployment if I was asked to move to a different department because I couldn’t do the job in the department I was in and quit because being moved to the other department was not what I applied for in the beginning ?
Answers to your question as below.
1) Please call the Unemployment Office to confirm if this is an acceptable reason and apply accordingly.
2) If you quit voluntarily, you will not be eligible.
I have steady employment right now, but am being offered a contract position. If I take it (9 months long), and it does NOT yield a permanent position, might/might not, would I still qualify for benefits?
Contracted job are generally not eligible. Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office.
i was demoted without any write ups of any kind, I have a lot of medical problems including depression, arthritis, cronic coronary artery disease, fibromyalga, torn labrian in my righht hip, and a torn ligament in my left elbow, it is getting very difficult to go to work, but was struggling to go to work because I need an income, can I quit and collect unemployment?
Unfortunately, personal reasons such as health issues are not considered. You may not be eligible to collect UI benefits.
Please call the Unemployment Office in your state for further details.
How can my friend find out(online) if her claim for 9-17-16 was filed?
Your friend can either log into his/her account on the official web portal or call the Claims Center to find out if the claim was received.
if my job is recalling me in sept. and my go back to work meeting is aug.and job search jobs call me do I have to go to a lot lower paying job!i am going back to my job that pays a lot more .thank you!
I recently lost my job and just started to receive benefits. I am in the process of buying and starting my own business. Do I have to still conduct 4 job searches a day? Also, once the business is purchased and operating, how long can I continue to receive benefits? What if I can not start to pay myself right away or show a profit?
Well, you’re required to make the job searches and report them.
Please call the claims center to inquire further about how it affects if you’re trying to start a business.
Question – my job was eliminated in 2015 and the company offered me a significantly lower job than what I had or take a package to leave.
Am I still available for unemployment? assuming all the other requirements are ok.
Well, it may be considered as quitting voluntarily and you may not be eligible.
Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office in your state.
I was just wondering, I have 2 kids and have missed a few days of work because of differing medical issues. Work tells me that I am still responsible for my hours even in an emergency. I do understand that to a point, but it can’t be helped. I am worried that I’ll get fired for that. Would I be able to file for unemployment if that happens? I am really concerned because of my kids.
Unfortunately, voluntary reasons are not considered. You may not qualify if you get fired.
I have lost half my hours do to winter hours it will be from Jan 1st 2014 till May 1st 2014 I was told to apply for unempolyment
You can positively look at applying for unemployment insurance if you are laid off for a temporary period or if there has been reduction in the number of hours.
how do u get a hold of a person on the phone been trying ALL WEEK and keep getting the same recording mon – friend today is fri have a ? on what do if u forgot to put in a day that u worked on the week
ly claims
You must keep following up. Please remember that they may be experiencing high call volumes.Use the link below to access contact details of the Wisconsin department of Labor.
http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/services.htm
I don’t know if I pressed the right #’s on the touch tone phone and am wondering if I said missed I meant that I did not work for 3 days. Not sure about this?
618 I missed work on Sun 7/28, Wed 7/31 and 8/1.2013
Please help and make sure i did fill this out properly on the phone. Thank you, Karen
I filed a claim for the week ending 08-03-2013, I made $80.00 I should still be able to collect my benefits for that week. I have tried several times to contact someone and the recording just tells me my claim has been accepted. Then where is my money?
My grandson worked for a place for nearly 2 yrs. He was in school so worked part time. When he graduated and in summer he worked alot of hours. Then when he went back to school in fall his hours were cut, even more so when he was in school before. Some how of another they thought he had another job and called him and told him he wasn’t needed anymore and since they thought he had another job they let him go. He is only 18 and didn’t know you could get unemployment. So about a month or so after he was let go he filed but was told he filed to late. Is there a time period you have to file?
Can i collect if I’ve world at a job for 9yrs and i don’t get the benefits i deserve. vacation and regular raises
Hi Dan,
If there has been a breach in the work contract from your employers end, then you can quit the job and avail benefits. But, before quitting, you will have to attempt to reach out to your employer and settle the issue. If it doesn’t, then you can move on to quit. Were these benefits mentioned in the contract?
I was fired on 12/18/2012 while on Medical leave for neck surgery that wasn’t covered by FMLA due to not being there for a year. Because it was a pre-existing condition, I didn’t qualify for short term disability either. I am now enrolled in school since I’m unable to do such physical jobs anymore. If I’m enrolled in night classes, an I able to collect unemployment while looking for a day time job?
Hi Kelly,
If you are unable to or/and unavailable to work, then you might not be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. You can attend classes and look for a job and receive benefits, but please take a look at other requirements which are in place.
Is there a number to call to see if a check was mailed out for me?
I work for a non profit. Most of us lost our jobs, to outsourcing. Some of us worked there over 20 years. My question is, What about us? They told us we are not eligible for unemployment. My guestion Is that really true? We are leaving with next to nothing. Thanks
Hi Patricia,
It is a requirement to have worked under covered employment in order to receive unemployment compensation. If your company says you are not eligible, they might not have paid employment taxes to the government rendering you disqualified for benefits. This could be a possible reason. There might be some other reason which I am unaware of. You could still go ahead and apply to let the unemployment office provide a formal determination.
My son works at a small hardware store that’s closeing.Allmost all the little hardware stores in this area have.Is there any programs for him to get his GED and some schooling.
Hi Jeff,
Please visit the Wisconsin state page for more details
How do I change my direct deposit to a different bank?
Hi Cindy,
You should be able to change the direct deposit details while filing your weekly claim. You may have to visit an unemployment office if that isn’t possible.
I lost my 2012 Unemployment W-2 from Wisconsin, and need a replacement W-2 so I can file my 2012
income Tax. My S.S. is 389-94-0427
Yes have a question. I left one full time job to go back to. School and started a different one. The new one I have not working out for me and school. If I were to quit to look for different job that works better with school. Would I be eligible for unemployment for time looking for new job.
If a worker provides a two week notice of employment ending with an organization based solely on the employee’s decision, how can they be found eligible for WI UC? Also, the same employee who leaves and moves to Las Vegas, NV, can they apply for UC in that state?
I worked for Burger King for 5 years, I missed 2 days of work, one with a doctors not and one no call no show, my boss suspended me and then fired me for not calling her in 2 days, can I collect unemployment she is fighting my claim because of ‘excessive abseentism/tardiness’
No call, no show for 2 days might work against you. File your claim, state your case and see what happens. You can appeal. If you lose ask what you need to do to be able to collect in the future.
I am writing about an aqaintance, Randall D Whitrock. He was fired from his job approximately 1 month ago from White Construction in Beaver Dam due to failing a manditory drug test. Is he eligible for unemployment benefits?
Does Wisconsin follow the Trailing Spouse unemployement law?
My daughter who has worked McDonalds for almost 2 years was fired and we are wondering is hse can claim unemploymnet benefits being she is under 18
Generally if she is fired she will not be eligible but still you can claim and check your luck..
para resir mis beneficios