Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

Tuesday, December 3, 2002 Governor Scott McCallum Secretary Jennifer Alexander

News Media Contact Christopher Marschman 608/261-6705 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784

MADISON – State Unemployment Insurance services will again be available extra hours beginning December 9 to meet the seasonal increase in unemployment claims brought on during the holiday season.

From December 9, 2002 to January 9, 2003 staff will work additional hours to take claims by telephone from those who lose jobs or work-time during the holidays. Unemployment Insurance staff will be available to those who call 1-800-822-5246 (1-800-UCCLAIM) from 7:45-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, 12/28/02, and Saturday, 1/4/03. Normally only automated service is available at this time. Staff will also be available 30 minutes longer Monday through Thursdays during this period, from 7:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., instead of the normal 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The automated claims service system will also be expanding for the holidays. Callers will be able to access the system starting at 7:45 a.m. on all four Saturdays, instead of 9 a.m., until 2:30 p.m. It also will operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on four holidays -- Dec. 24, 25, and 31, and Jan. 1.

Those using the automated phone system at times when staff is not available should call back within 14 days if they are told they need to speak with a claims specialist. That usually includes those starting new claims or where there is a question about information they have provided. Those without touch-tone phones also need to call during hours when staff is available.

Those filing claims in Milwaukee should call the claims line at (414) 438-7700 while those in Madison should call (608) 232-0678. Those outside these areas can use the toll free number listed above. Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired callers with a telephone typewriter device should call the TTY toll free number -- 1-888-393-8914.

The internet address to file new or reopened claims is www.ucclaim-wi.org .

Those calling for the first time should select a four-digit personal identification number before they call. They also will need to know their social security number, their Wisconsin drivers’ license number (if they have one), and basic information about all of their employers and employment periods for the last 18 months or since they last filed a claim.

For those able to connect with the Web, a calendar showing daily hours when staff is working is available at http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/uiben/exhours.htm. Information about hours of operation of the automated service, and other advice, is posted there, as well.

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