Skip main navigation

Outdated or Unsupported Browser Detected
DWD's website uses the latest technology. This makes our site faster and easier to use across all devices. Unfortunatley, your browser is out of date and is not supported. An update is not required, but it is strongly recommended to improve your browsing experience. To update Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge visit their website.

  2. News Room
DWD logo

Tony Evers, Governor
Caleb Frostman, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

Governor Evers to Issue Emergency Order Waiving Work Search, Modifying Availability Requirements for UI Benefits – Asks Legislature to Repeal One Week Wait

MADISON – Gov. Tony Evers today announced he will issue an Emergency Order tomorrow that will waive work search requirements and modify the availability requirements for unemployment insurance benefits for workers impacted by COVID-19. Gov. Evers is working with the Wisconsin State Legislature to quickly act to waive the one-week waiting period for benefits so that much-needed unemployment insurance funds make it to affected workers quickly.

Gov. Evers announced that his order will waive the requirement that UI claimants conduct at least four weekly work search actions during the COVID-19 emergency. His order will also ensure that claimants who are otherwise eligible but out of work due to COVID-19 are considered available for work and therefore eligible for benefits.

"Tomorrow's emergency order will take advantage of the federal guidance related to administering unemployment insurance benefit claims during the pandemic period and allows the program to support our workers who have been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak," Gov. Evers said. "I am urging the Wisconsin State Legislature to quickly act and repeal the one week waiting period for UI benefits, so UI funds can quickly get to affected workers to support those households and our communities.

Gov. Evers' proposed 2019-2021 state budget had eliminated the one week waiting period for UI.