Applying for Benefits FAQ

Apply for unemployment benefits online when:

• You are totally unemployed,
• Your weekly earnings are reduced,
• You expect to be laid off within the next 13 weeks, or
• You are participating in the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program.

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

Unsure if you will qualify? Apply to find out if you are eligible. Only DWD can determine if you will qualify.

Important: You must file an initial claim application within seven days of the end of the calendar week in which you want to receive a UI benefit payment.

Applying for unemployment benefits is easier with essential information in-hand. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility for Unemployment Insurance benefits.

Please review this list of information to have ready to apply.

Steps to Apply Online:

1. Go to my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov.
2. Read and accept terms and conditions.
3. Create a username and password.
   Note: When you authorize to use online services, you may be mailed an identity verification letter with a code that must be entered within seven days.
4. Log on to access your claimant portal.
5. Complete your initial claim application.

Individuals applying for unemployment must do so using the name printed on their social security card and driver's license. If your social security card and driver's license are up to date with your current name you should not have any problems filing for and receiving unemployment benefits.

If you have received unemployment benefits in the past under a different name and wish to apply for benefits again, you must first change you name with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and with the Social Security Administration (SSA) before applying for unemployment benefits.

Please understand that we must be able to confirm your identity with personally identifiable information such as your driver's license and social security card to approve your unemployment application.

The application process for military service veterans coming off active duty is the same as anyone applying for unemployment benefits. Your claim cannot start earlier than the week of your separation date, as it appears on your DD-214.

A request for your member copy 4 of the DD-214, for all active duty terms within the last 18 months, will be sent to you after you file.

Your claim may be delayed if you are unable to send in a copy of the DD-214 (acceptable copies are member copy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8).

The worksheet and copy 1 cannot be used because they do not include the separation type or narrative reason of separation.

Additional resources are available from the Office of Veteran Employment Services.

The Claimant Handbook and attached web pages answer questions about eligibility including:

• Did I work enough in the last 12 to 18 months to qualify?
• Does it matter why I am no longer employed or only working part time?
• Are there reasons why I may not be eligible for unemployment?
  • Information on quitting, being fired, and other possible eligibility issues
• Will my pension or Social Security affect my eligibility?

Filing for unemployment benefits is a two-step process:

1. First, complete the initial claim application.
2. Second, file a weekly claim certification for each week you want an unemployment benefit payment.
   
   Payment cannot be made until a weekly claim is filed. Always wait until after Saturday to file a weekly claim certification for the calendar week ending that Saturday

Requests for additional information have a due date:

• In some circumstances, we may need additional information from you. Please respond to any requests for additional information by the due date stated on the request.

Have you been instructed to register with Job Center of Wisconsin?:

• No unemployment benefits will be paid to you until you register with Job Center of Wisconsin.

Actual payment is dependent upon approval:

• Even if you have been paid enough wages from covered employment to qualify monetarily for benefits, actual payment will be dependent upon approval of all eligibility issues.

We will generally determine your entitlement within 7 days of filing your initial claim. If benefits are payable, they are usually paid within 7 days of completing your weekly claim.

Benefits paid this year will be taxable income for this year.

Any time benefits are denied or suspended, we send you a determination explaining:

• why
• for what timeframe
• how to requalify
• how to appeal if you disagree

If you met the requalifying requirements, stopped filing weekly claim certifications, and are now unemployed or working reduced hours, you must reactivate your claim.

Your claim will be reviewed to determine if you have met the requalifying requirements. You may be sent requests for information to determine if you have met the requalifying requirements. Complete the requests and return by the due date.

If you have questions regarding your requalifying requirements, contact the Help Center.

No unemployment benefits will be paid to you until you register.

You must be fully registered with Job Center of Wisconsin within 14 days of filing your initial claim. Failure to fully register by the deadline will result in a suspension of benefits until the registration is complete.

For more information see the Registration for Work Frequently Asked Questions.

You do not need to take any action. Just stop filing.