*** Emergency unemployment compensation(E.U.C), a federally sponsored scheme for additional weekly benefits(after regular UI is exhausted) remains expired as on 28th Dec 2013. EUC is currently not available in any state***
Under regular situations, unemployment is restricted at 26 weeks. However, when a financial recession crops up, the government can choose to extend unemployment benefits for longer durations. Wisconsin offers unemployment benefits to workers who lose their jobs. Laid-off residents of the state can get benefits for up to 86 weeks if they are qualified during a period of high unemployment.
The normal unemployment you can get in Wisconsin comprises 4 tiers, and the amount of money you obtain lessens over time in these tiers. If you spent all of your available unemployment, it is possible to look for an extension—in Wisconsin it lasts 13 weeks—while you are still seeking work. This can help greatly with the cost of living, but keep in mind that you must be keenly looking for work as well.
Since 2011, Wisconsin residents meet the criteria for the initial 26 weeks, a 1st tier of 20 weeks, a 2nd tier extension of 14 weeks, and a 3rd tier extension of 13 weeks. The time line to begin in each of these tiers was by the end of December 2011. Wisconsin by now phased out the 4th tier extension of 6 weeks in August 2010. With the extended benefits program, Wisconsin closed the high rate benefits of 7 weeks in October 2010 and the usual benefits of 13 weeks in April 2011.
Wisconsin Unemployment Extension
If you exhaust the regular benefits and still has not found new employment, it may be feasible for you to move through federal and state programs to receive additional assistance.
How to be eligible for an Unemployment Extension in Wisconsin?
- Tire out your regular unemployment benefits. You have to have used your entire unemployment fund before being considered for an extension.
- Be unemployed or working very few hours still.
- Be able and seeking work during your unemployment.
- Apply for extended benefits online or over the phone. The phone number to file an unemployment claim in Wisconsin is (800) 822-5246. It may take some time to find out if you qualify, so try to budget your regular unemployment payments accordingly.
- Keep detailed records of your work searches. Wisconsin usually requires this information to make sure that you are actively looking for work. Also keep in mind to report any earnings while you have active unemployment benefits.
- Apply for an extension again if you still did not find work and your first extension is running out.
Extended Unemployment Compensation
After you wear out regular state benefits they may be entitled to Extended Unemployment Compensation (EUC). This federal funded program has 3 tiers. TierOne runs for 20 weeks, Tier Two for 14 weeks and Tier Three for 13 weeks. Each tier carry the same benefit level, but are open to jobless people only at certain times.
The plan has to be accepted and extended sometimes by the U.S Congress. If the EUC program is not extended, then participants can carry their current tier (i.e. to the end of 20 weeks if in Tier One) but not move into the next tier.
Who is Eligible to Receive EUC Benefits?
To be suitable for EUC benefits you must:
- Have an unemployment claim that began on or after May 07, 2006; and
- Have base period wages in the base period of this claim that is equal to no less than 40 times your regular benefit rate; and
- Exhausted your usual benefits or your benefit year has ended and you are not eligible for a new claim in any state; and
- Be unemployed or working reduced hours; and
- Be able and available for work and looking for work.
- Participate in Job Service Career Planning Services when directed.
How do I file for EUC?
In case you are presently filing weekly claims for unemployment benefits, carry on to file your weekly claims if you are still jobless or working reduced hours. You will be informed by mail of your eligibility for the extra benefits.
If you have not been filing weekly claims and are still without a job or working reduced hours, you will need to file an application for these extra benefits online or by telephone. You will be alerted by mail of your eligibility for the additional benefits.
Federal-state Extended Benefits
If you are still out of work after finishing extended unemployment compensation (EUC), a final choice could be federal-state Extended Benefits which is called if the state’s unemployment rate rises to 8%. This program offers another 13 weeks on unemployment help and is the final tier for unemployed residents of the state. As with other unemployment programs obtaining federal help, it is subject to Congressional review and may not be available always, depending on procedures taken by the Congress.
Benefits Progression
Every new program can only start for a resident after they have tired prior programs. This means obtaining 26 weeks of regular unemployment insurance prior to receiving EUC. It then means collecting 47 weeks of EUC, thorough the three tiers listed above, before collecting any of the 13 weeks of federal-state extended benefits. In case all programs are finished to the full extent, you can obtain 86 weeks of unemployment coverage.
However, the EUC program is managed by the federal government and can be permitted to run out. In case the program does not obtain extensions or new funding, you can end the current tier but not move to the next tier. The federal government could also decide to close the EUC program completely, which would leave you to make 26 weeks of unemployment insurance.