States

How To Apply For Unemployment In Wisconsin

The Department of Workforce Development in Wisconsin offers a comprehensive online experience for unemployed workers seeking UI benefits assistance. To qualify for benefits, you must be partially or fully unemployed and have an eighteen-month history of working for insured employers. Use the following site links to get started:

• Unemployment Insurance Claimant Portal
• DWD Hours of Operation and Phone Numbers
• Job Center of Wisconsin

To maintain eligibility after your initial claim is approved, you must be registered with Job Center of Wisconsin and continue to search for work. If you don’t have computer access, you can file by phone at (414) 435-7069 or toll-free at (844) 910-3661.

Security Protocol and Identity Verification

The State of Wisconsin and the Department of Workforce Development are extremely vigilant when it comes to the protection of your personal information. Security protocols include unique usernames and encrypted passwords. There’s also a strict screening process for social security numbers, identification cards or driver’s licenses, and tax documentation. These measures are in place to protect you. You can help by following these guidelines:

• Never Share Your Personal Information with Others
• Don’t Allow Third Parties to Submit Claims for You
• Avoid Shared or Public Computers when Filing

Other security tips are common sense. Don’t give your UI Visa Debit Card to anyone, even a family member. If your card is flagged for a suspicious transaction it could disrupt your weekly unemployment insurance benefits payments. You should also keep all passwords and PIN numbers private. Most people use the same numbers for everything, so allowing a hacker to get hold of your UI PIN number could expose you to additional financial risk. 

Filing Weekly Claims for Your Benefits Payments

Your initial claim may take a few weeks to process, but you’ll need to start filing weekly claims the week after you first submit for UI benefits. The weekly claims report, or certification as it is sometimes known, requires you to confirm the following:

• You are still unemployed
• You are actively looking for work
• You are willing and physically able to work

It is mandatory under the guidelines and regulations of the Unemployment Insurance Division that you look for work while you are collecting weekly benefits payments. This requirement may be waived during times of extreme economic distress or national emergency but assume it’s always in place. You’ll be asked to provide work search proof on your weekly claims.

Job Center of Wisconsin Job Search and Training

You’re required to register with Job Center of Wisconsin when you file your initial claim for unemployment insurance benefits. This is to aid you in your job search and provide documentation of each opportunity you pursue while collecting weekly benefits payments. You can also create or upload a resume in your job center online portal.

The State of Wisconsin has compiled a list of Eligible Training Programs (ETPL) that you can attend to enhance your job skills. There’s a search area on the JCW website where you can gain access to these programs. You can also inquire about Trade Adjustment Assistance if your job was lost due to foreign competition in your industry.