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Apply for Benefits Online

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For a New Claim or to Reopen an Existing Claim

If you're out of work through no fault of your own, and you've worked for a covered employer (an employer who pays UI tax) in the last 18 months, you'll need to apply for unemployment benefits before you can begin filing a weekly claim.

Please make sure you have these documents ready to go to make your application quick and easy:

Apply for Benefits Here

Log on to my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov

  • Certain situations require additional information we cannot collect online at this time. A few examples include:
    • You work for an educational employer.
    • You did not work for one of the employers we have on file for you.
  • If you are instructed to call a claims specialist to complete your claim during business hours, the information you have already provided will be saved and available to the claims specialist when you call.
  • You will receive a claim confirmation and instructions form.
  • The claimant handbook is online. You are responsible for knowing the information provided in this handbook.
  • If you qualify for unemployment benefits, we will send you a notice with the amount of benefits you can receive.
  • If you do not qualify for unemployment benefits, we will send you a notice that tells you why.
  • If you are required to perform a weekly work search or if you work less than full-time (32 hours or more per week)  you must register for work with Wisconsin Job Service and complete a résumé within 14 days of the date you completed your application for unemployment benefits.

Hours of Operation: Apply online during these times:

Sunday 9:00 AM – Midnight
Monday – Friday Available 24 Hours
Saturday Midnight – 3:00 PM