covid-19 job seeker resources

unemployment insurance

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​The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD)

• Apply for Unemployment Insurance (UI): Individuals are encouraged to apply for UI online and have the following ready: ​

  • A username and password for filing online

  • A valid email or mobile number

  • Your social security number 

  • Your Wisconsin driver license or identification number

  • Your work history for the last 18 months:

  • Employers' business names

  • Employers' addresses (including zip code)

  • Employers' phone number

  • First and last dates of work with each employer

  • Reason no longer working with each employer

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For additional assistance on applying for UI, see the following:

• Video on How to Apply for UI Benefits Online

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• Video on how to Create a Username and Password for UI Benefits

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• Unemployment FAQ for Claimants: View information for claimants relating to unemployment taxes, reporting, collections and more. Which Unemployment Program is for You? View flowchart here.

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• Wisconsin UI Resources in Spanish and Hmong: Information to access resources in Spanish, Hmong and for interpreter and translation services. 

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• Did You Know? All unemployment benefits are taxable. Withhold federal and state taxes from your weekly benefit NOW, so you don't have to pay them later. You can opt to have taxes withheld at https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov

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Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act

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• CARES Act: View information about the three benefits that unemployed individuals may be eligible to receive if not eligible for regular UI benefits: 

  • Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)​: Provides most individuals an emergency increase in $600 per week in unemployment benefits (e.g., Regular UI, PUA and PEUC). NOTE: Wisconsin plans to start making FPUC payments the week of April 26, 2020. Claimants DO NOT need to take action for the additional $600 per week benefit.

  • Pandemic Unemployment Assitance (PUA): Provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to people not otherwise eligible for regular UI (e.g. self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history). NOTE: Wisconsin is now accepting online applications for PUA.

  • Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): Provides an additional 13 weeks of emergency benefits for people who remain unemployed after they have exhausted their Regular UI benefits.​​

 

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Workforce programs

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• WIOA: Dislocated Worker Program: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker program provides no-cost services to individuals impacted by a layoff due to a business closure, downsizing, or bankruptcy. The Forward Careers Team is here to help you upgrade your skills, gain new skills and get you back to work quickly.

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