Wisconsin Unemployment

Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Wisconsin’s unemployment insurance program provides temporary replacement of some income for Wisconsin residents who have lost employment through no fault of their own. 

The program is jointly financed through federal and state employer payroll taxes, and administered by the Unemployment Insurance Division of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Wisconsin Unemployment Services

How To Qualify for Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits

If you have sufficient work history and your employment was terminated through no fault of your own, you may qualify for unemployment assistance in Wisconsin. Claimants also must be able and available to work if offered new employment, and you should be prepared to document your activities related to looking for a new job.

• You may apply for unemployment insurance benefits when any of the following are true:
• You are 100% unemployed,
• You are partially unemployed – your weekly hours and/or earnings have been reduced
• You expect to be unemployed within the next 13 weeks and would like to start your benefits period early

Please note that your claim begins the very first week you apply for UI benefit, so don’t wait. Make sure you apply for unemployment compensation during the first week you’re unemployed so that you avoid any loss of benefit payment.

Benefit Payments and Duration

How to Apply for Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits

Claimants are encouraged to submit their initial claim online at my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov. Once you’ve accepted the terms and conditions, you can set up your account, complete with username and password, and then complete and submit the online unemployment claim form.

Managing Your Unemployment Benefits

While you are collecting unemployment benefits, you need to submit a separate UI claim for each week you would like to receive benefits.

 The UI claim will generally ask you to address the following questions:

• The reason you are no longer working
• Whether you are currently unemployed or working reduced hours
• Whether you are able and available for work
• Whether you have declined any job offers or referrals to a job
• Whether you are actively looking for work
• Whether you have received any pay or pension payment since your previous weekly claim

All questions apply only to the specific calendar week for which you are requesting a weekly benefit. You may receive your benefits either via direct deposit or via a prepaid Visa debit card.

Filing an Appeal

If your original claim is denied and you’d like to appeal that decision, you can do so either online or by mailing or faxing a statement outlining why you are appealing the decision. Either the employee or the employer may request an appeal.

Contact Information
UI Hearing Office
P.O. Box 7975
Madison, WI 53707
Fax: 608-327-6498

Reporting Fraud

If you suspect unemployment insurance fraud, the best way to report it is through the online form. It’s generally the fastest way to make your report. You also can call the fraud hotline at 800-909-9472, where specialists are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Another option is to mail a statement to the following address:

Unemployment Insurance
Attn: Program Integrity
P.O. Box 7905
Madison, WI 53707

Include all of the following information:

• Name of person allegedly committing fraud
• Their full address
• Their social security number
• Their phone number
• The specific nature of the fraud
• Date fraud began
• If the claimant is working – name of employer
• Employer’s address and phone number
• Your name, address, and phone number (optional)

Wisconsin Unemployment Office Locations