Unemployment Insurance

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The CARES Act added some changes to the way unemployment works due to COVID-19. Click here to see what changes are happening. 

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Unemployment insurance is a weekly payment available to persons who lost their job for something that wasn't their fault.  This include people who are laid off because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

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You may be able to get unemployment payments if:

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• You are not working anymore

• You are not working as many hours as before

• You think you might get laid off in 13 weeks or less, and want to start getting benefits early

• You are not getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

 

If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are eligible for unemployment, you must apply.

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If you get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you cannot get unemployment.  This includes Pandemic Unemployment Assisstance (PUA) payments.

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You can apply for unemployment insurance online at the following website:

https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/apply/

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You may apply during the following hours:

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• Monday - Friday 6 am - 7 pm

• Saturday 9 am - 2:30 pm

• Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm

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When you apply, make sure you have the following things handy:

 

• A username and password; you will make these when you apply, but it is helpful to know what they are before you make them

• A valid email or mobile number

• Your Social Security number

• Your Wisconsin driver license or identification number

• Your current address. You need a valid mailing address to receive important documents about your claim. Make sure you have notified your post office of any recent changes to your address.

• Your work history for the last 18 months:

  • Employers' business names

  • Employers' addresses (including zip code)

  • Employers' phone number

  • First and last dates of work with each employer

  • Reason no longer working with each employer

• If you're not a U.S. citizen, your alien registration number, document number and expiration date

• Form DD-214 (Member 4 copy), if you served in the military in the last 18 months

• Form SF-50 or SF-8, if you are a federal civilian employee

• If you are a union member, the name and local number of your union hall

 

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If your application is accepted, you will have to wait a week until payments start.  You will also need to file a claim once a week if you want to get a payment.

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Visit the unemployment website for more information:

https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/ui/

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