top of page

Unemployment Insurance

​

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

​

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.

​

You may be able to get unemployment payments if:

​

  • 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.

​

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

​

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

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

​

You may apply during the following hours:

​

  • Monday - Friday 6 am - 7 pm

  • Saturday 9 am - 2:30 pm

  • Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm

​

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

 

​

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.

​

Visit the unemployment website for more information:

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

​

bottom of page