How to apply for unemployment in Wisconsin if you get laid off due to coronavirus
A number of businesses are being forced to shut down (at least temporarily) in response to the coronavirus. If you are laid off or your weekly work hours or wages are reduced, you are potentially eligible for unemployment compensation.
Here’s a quick look at how to apply for and receive benefits.
Every person’s case is different, and unemployment benefits are not guaranteed.
In Wisconsin, the process is handled by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Known as the DWD, the department recommends that you apply for benefits online. Go to my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov to set up your account. The benefits are known as unemployment insurance benefits.
Filing for unemployment benefits is a two step process
❚ First, complete the initial claim application, which leads to a computation of whether you qualify for benefits.
❚ Then file a weekly claim certification for each week you want an unemployment benefit payment. The weekly claim certification triggers the payment for each week.
❚ Always wait until after Saturday to file a weekly claim certification for the calendar week ending that Saturday.
Register with Wisconsin Job Service
No unemployment benefits will be paid until you register with Wisconsin Job Service.
The job service acts as a resource and guide for finding another job. Despite the virus outbreak, places such as grocery stores and a number of retailers are hiring.
You must be fully registered with Wisconsin Job Service within 14 days of applying for unemployment benefits. Failure to fully register by the deadline will result in a suspension of benefits, according to the DWD. You won’t receive benefits until the registration is complete.
Additionally, you will not be eligible for benefits for any week prior to your
registration if your registration is completed after 14 days, or if you fail otherwise to participate in re-employment programs or services as directed, according to DWD.
No retroactive benefits will be paid. Actual payment is dependent upon approval
Even if you have been paid enough wages from covered employment to qualify for benefits, actual payment will be dependent upon approval of all eligibility issues.
Don’t procrastinate. This is extremely important. As soon as you know of a change in your employment status, you should apply for benefits. “Your claim begins the week you apply,” according to the DWD. “To avoid any loss of benefits, apply the first week you are unemployed. Do not wait until the week is over.”
You should apply for unemployment benefits when:
❚ You are totally unemployed
❚ You are partially unemployed (your weekly earnings are reduced)
❚ You expect to be laid off within the next 13 weeks and would like to start your benefit year early.
❚ All claims based on work done in Wisconsin are filed through Wisconsin, even if you now live in another state.
Information you need to apply
“Applying for unemployment benefits is smoother and faster when you have essential information in-hand,” according to the DWD. “The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits.”
It is important that your information is accurate and complete for all questions asked, according to the DWD. “The law provides penalties for withholding information or making false statements to obtain benefits,” the agency said.
Have this information in front of you when you apply
❚ Create a username and password for filing online
❚ Your Social Security number
❚ Your username and password (referred to as security credentials) and your Social Security number will be used to identify you and must be used when accessing your account. Do not give your security credentials to ANYONE.
❚ A valid email or mobile number
❚ Your Wisconsin driver license or identification number
You’ll need your work history for the last 18 months
❚ Employers’ business names
❚ Employers’ address, including ZIP code
❚ Employers’ phone number
❚ First and last dates of work with each employer
❚ Reason no longer working with each employer
❚ 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
❚ 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.
❚ If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide your alien registration number, document number and expiration date.
DWD contact information:
201 E. Washington Ave.
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707 608-266-3131
The easiest way to get connected to DWD is to send an email using the contact form. “Fill out the form and we will respond to your inquiry within two business days,” the DWD says.