Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Details

There are a number of factors to consider if you need unemployment insurance from the state of Wisconsin. You should research your eligibility, your weekly benefits and tax information before applying.

Eligibility

You have to have earned a minimum amount in the past year and lose your job through no fault of your own in order to qualify for Wisconsin unemployment insurance. You cannot quit a job without good cause, get fired for misconduct, excessive absence or tardiness.

When to Apply

You should apply for unemployment insurance as soon as you are eligible to avoid losing benefits. You must complete an application within the first week you wish to receive benefits, or within seven days of the end of that calendar week.

How to Apply

You can apply either online through the state's unemployment "Benefit Services Menu" or by calling 800-822-5246. If applying by phone, call between Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. or Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Limitations

You cannot accept your total weekly benefits for more than 26 weeks of the year. To account for variances in how much and when you receive unemployment insurance, Wisconsin limits the total amount you can receive based on how much you made in the year before you filed for unemployment.

Taxes

All benefits received from unemployment insurance are subject to state and federal tax. You can chose to have the state of Wisconsin withhold 5 percent of your benefits toward state taxes and 10 percent toward federal taxes by filling out a Tax Withholding Application.

Partial Unemployment

Residents working part time could be eligible for reduced unemployment benefits at a minimum of $5 a week.