Between applying for unemployment or having a tooth pulled, it's sometimes hard to tell which is more painful. Hopefully, this guide took some of the bite out of applying for Wisconsin unemployment. Most states' Labor Department websites are loaded with resources and FAQs that can give solutions to the most frequent issues. It's best to apply in the first week you lose work to prevent delays and claims by phone are allowed in some cases. Plus their customer service is available for any other issues not covered.
Your hours were cut to the point of being still work but not enough to live on? Or maybe you were laid off? If either of these happened to you due to no fault of your own, then it's best if you apply for unemployment insurance. This guide will show you the steps for applying for Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development unemployment insurance.
Some Qualifications and FAQs
1. Apply when you become either fully unemployed or partially employed, before that week is over. Your claim starts the week you apply.
2. You can also apply and begin your benefit year early, if you're expecting to be laid off within the next 13 weeks.
3. For the most part, you must be willing and able to look for work, which means registering with Wisconsin Job Service. Any changes to this will be on dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben under Quick links and Frequently Asked Questions.
4. If you are required to register with WJS, you must do so within 14 days of filing your claim. Not registering could affect your eligibility for benefits.
5. After you apply, you will receive your claim confirmation and instruction form in the mail. You will also receive a separate notice of whether or not you qualified for benefits as well as the reason.
6. Claims are typically filed online only but exceptions can be made if you're having trouble online or are unable to go online. Call 414-435-7069 during business hours 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
The Information You Need
1. Your social security number and Wisconsin driver's license, or your social and I.D. number.
2. Your best email address or cell phone number
3. 18-month work history including business names and phone numbers, addresses including zip code, first and final day you worked and the reason you are no longer working for that employer.
4. Non-U.S. citizens need their alien registration number, document number and expiration date.
5. Those who served in the military in the last 18 months need their DD-214 member 4.
6. Federal employees need either SF-8 or SF-50.
7. Union members are asked for the name and local number of their union hall.
Applying Online
1. Claims need to be filed on a schedule but it's not based on last initial. The online system is open for claims during
a. Sundays 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
b. Mondays through Fridays 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
c. Saturdays 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
2. Go to my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov and read and accept the Terms and Conditions and create a new account or log-on to an existing one.
3. There are links in case you need to reset your username or password. Those with further issues can call the DWD's IT center at 608-266-7252. Please note this number is just for password or username troubleshooting, they cannot help with your claim. Claim help can be reached here.
4. Follow the prompts to complete your application.
5. The Claimant handbook is located at dwd.wisconsin.gov, select Unemployment, and then click on claimants in the drop-down field. Click on the book icon labeled handbook for claimants.
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