2. Press Releases

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 12, 2021
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

DWD Launches Online Progress Tracker

MADISON – In late December, Congress passed the Continued Assistance Act, creating new unemployment programs and provisions in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has been working to launch these new federal programs in Wisconsin. The first of those, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), was implemented last month.

Today, the DWD is unveiling an online progress tracker, so Wisconsinites can see when to expect benefits related to all of the Continued Assistance Act programs. The tracker also shows the steps that must be taken to implement each one.

"We understand how important these programs and benefits are to our neighbors across the state," Unemployment Insurance Division Administrator Mark Reihl said. "We appreciate the impact these timelines have on people who have filed claims, and we're working to implement these programs as quickly as possible despite our technological challenges."

The Department's antiquated computer system does not allow these programs to be launched all at once, so some new benefits are still weeks away. DWD has prioritized each program by the number of Wisconsinites who could potentially qualify. DWD recently hosted an informational briefing that provides greater insights into the challenges the department faces with its IT system.

You can find a list of Continued Assistance Act programs and target launch dates for each one below. View the Progress Tracker