How to apply for unemployment in Wisconsin if you get laid off because of coronavirus

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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. All claims based on work done in Wisconsin are filed through Wisconsin, even if you now live in another state.

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Gov. Tony Evers said he plans to issue an emergency order that takes effect on Wednesday and will impact unemployment insurance benefits.

Among other things, the emergency order will waive the requirement that unemployment insurance claimants conduct at least four weekly work search actions during the COVID-19 emergency, according to a statement from the governor.

Evers is also asking the Legislature to act to speed benefits to impacted workers.

"I am urging the Wisconsin State Legislature to quickly act and repeal the one week waiting period for unemployment insurance benefits, so unemployment insurance funds can quickly get to affected workers to support households and our communities."

In Wisconsin, the unemployment insurance benefits 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.
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. Apply for payment at the end of the week.

Register with Wisconsin Job Service

No unemployment benefits will be paid until you register with Wisconsin Job Service.

The job service center 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.

Actual payment is dependent upon approval

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.

Have this information in front of you when you apply

Your Social Security number
A valid email or mobile number
Your Wisconsin driver license or identification number
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 your 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.