Wisconsin (WI) Unemployment Insurance Benefits After Expiry of Pandemic Benefits – Latest News and Updates

The Unemployment Insurance Division of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) oversees the unemployment insurance program for the state. This includes processing and payment unemployment insurance claims.

How Much Unemployment Can I Get?

With the expiry the pandemic unemployment programs, only traditional/regular state unemployment is available for full or partial unemployment claims. The table below provides key details on the latest unemployment benefits and qualifying wage requirements.

You will need to submit a claim or certify your application via the state’s unemployment website (see section below on filing a claim) to get your actual weekly benefit amount (WBA) or rate (WBR).

Note that to qualify for unemployment, your job or hours worked loss will generally need to be involuntary. I.e. through no fault of your own or via directly quitting. Your job and wages must also have been paid/covered by an employer or source that deducted unemployment insurance taxes per state law (see your paycheck).

Further if you are being paid severance via a layoff or able to use sick leave or paid vacation, you cannot claim unemployment.

You will also need to certify for benefits at regular intervals (weekly or bi-weekly), demonstrate ongoing work availability and evidence of job search requirements to keep getting weekly unemployment benefits.

Weekly Unemployment Available with Dependents (Min – Max)$54 – $370
Benefit DurationUp to 26 weeks
Minimum Qualifying Income over Base PeriodWages in the three calendar quarters of your base period with the lowest earnings that are equal to at least four times your weekly benefit rate
Part-Time Income or Workers With Reduced HoursTo determine benefits payable: (e.g. for $500 weekly income, with WBA of $300)
Subtract $30 from your gross (part-time) income. (e.g $500- $30 = $470)
Multiply the remainder by 67% or 0.67. ($470 x 0.6 = $282)
Subtract this new amount (including the cents) from your WBA ($300 – $282 = $18)
This rounded amount is UI payable for the week when you were partially employed ($18)
Wisconsin Claimant Handbook

Why is my weekly benefit payment lower than the maximum amount?

Your actual weekly benefit amount (WBA) is the amount of money your state agency has determined you and your dependents may receive for regular unemployment insurance after filing a claim. This can change weekly based on your certification or claim for benefits.

Your actual WBA is based on the amount that you earned over the states pre-defined base or alternate wage period, which are generally based on four out of the last five completed calendar quarters spanning 12 to 18 months.

The higher your earnings, the higher your approved WBA will be, up to the maximum amount allowed in the state. All earnings must be subject to UI tax (covered employment) to be eligible for factoring into your benefit determination.

Any part time or temporary earnings from employment or other activities during eligible weeks you are claiming and certifying for benefits, will potentially reduce the amount of UI benefits you may get as shown in the table above.

Also note that that your state UI agency may deduct overpayments and court-ordered child support from your weekly payment. This will reduce your WBA.

Finally during periods of high unemployment in the state, benefit amounts and the number of weeks that are covered may be extended.

What if I worked or lived in another state?

If you worked or lived in another state during the base year, you should file your unemployment benefits claim in the state you worked in and where your wages were reported. Not where you reside at the time of claim. You can file a claim in multiple states.

Your claim will be paid and governed by laws of that state in which you applied for. You will need to report this on your state and federal income taxes per form 1099-G issued by the state’s UI agency.

Claimants will also need to apply or reapply for UI benefits when they reach the end of their benefit year.

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Biden Stimulus Bill ARPA Extensions (until September 6th, 2021)

Under President Biden’s $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), enhanced unemployment benefits have been extended until September 6th (week ending September 4th). This includes further extensions to the PUA programPEUC program, $300 weekly payment under the FPUC program and $100 Mixed Earners (MEUC) program. There were also provisions in the Biden Stimulus package for Unemployment tax breaks on the first $10,200 of benefits received in 2020.

WI DWD Latest News and Status on PUA, PEUC and $300 Weekly Payment ARP 25-week extensions – Claim Issues and System Updates

PUA Claimants – The state’s outdated unemployment insurance computer system delayed implementation of the PUA extensions as DWD programmers worked to deploy federal program extensions and rules updates. The DWD started processing payments under the ARPA extension as of early April. There are some individuals whose PUA claim required special/manual processing which won’t be completed until April 21, 2021. After April 21, processing of those claims can be started per the DWD. Impacted claimants have been notified by the DWD.

PEUC Claimants – DWD has started making ARPA extension payments under the PEUC program as of early April. Per the comments forum following this article, there are however still glitches and delays with claim payments and will require manual intervention (so contact a DWD agent) to get paid.

All active claimants receiving regular state unemployment, PUA and PEUC will also continue to get the supplementary $300 FPUC weekly payment until September 4th, 2021.

Quarter Change Special Notice: As of April 4, 2021, if you are receiving PUA or PEUC you may see an issue “Under Review” on your Determinations page. At the start of each calendar quarter, federal law requires DWD to check whether federal program recipients qualify for regular UI. This quarterly check requires manual review and can take a few weeks to complete. If this applies to you, please continue filing your initial and/or weekly claims as prompted in your portal.

You can see the latest updates on DWD federal programs here. I will also continue to post updates and answers to items raised in the comment forum at the end of this article. So stay tuned via the options below.


2021 Unemployment Program Extensions Under COVID Relief Bill (Ended on March 14th, 2021)

The $900 billion COVID-19 relief package was passed into law on Dec. 27, 2020, which among several other pandemic relief measures extends and provides additional federal funding for enhanced unemployment benefits. This includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and a reinstatement, but halving of the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) Program which provides a $300 supplemental weekly unemployment payment.

These programs have been funded and extended for 11 weeks (on top of any state funded extensions), covering the weeks of December 27th, 2020 to March 14th, 2021. The added $300 per week FPUC will be available starting the week ending 1/2/21, so eligible claimants will receive the full 11 weeks of payments (a total of $3,300). To receive FPUC benefits, you must be receiving regular UI, PEUC, EB, or PUA.

WI DWD Latest Payment and Status on Delayed 2021 Unemployment Extensions for PUA and PEUC

The program began last spring and was extended in December through the Continued Assistance Act and again on March 11 under American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). An estimated 17,200 people across Wisconsin have been waiting for the new extension payments to begin. The state’s outdated unemployment insurance computer system delayed implementation of the PUA extensions as programmers worked to deploy each new federal program and extension. DWD will begin making new PUA payments on Tuesday.

[February 14th update] DWD has started issuing the $300 FPUC payments as of January 15th to eligible claimants with active claims (remaining balance weeks and/or with extensions added). They are still seeing ongoing delays with other programs as follows. You can also see the latest in this YouTube video update.

PEUC claims – DWD is still implementing system/program updates for paying extensions (exhausted original claims) and new PEUC applications. Individuals who had not exhausted PEUC should keep filing their weekly claims and will continue to be paid. If you need to file a new claim or took a break from filing (exhausted/need to start back up) you need to file a new Initial Claim for PUA. You will be prompted to do so on your portal when the programming has been updated. DWD estimates they will starting payment of the PEUC 11-week extensions the week ending March 6, 2021 (delayed over 2 months!). This will include payment of retroactive back payments, including the $300 FPUC.

PUA benefits [Ongoing Delays] – DWD has provided an update for those who have exhausted their PUA benefits and currently anticipate starting payment of PUA extensions the week ending April 24, 2021. This is actually after the current 11-week extension program expiry, however retroactive payments will be made to the week ending January 2nd once the DWD is able to update systems and programs. This is an over 3-month delay and among the most delayed roll-outs across the 50 states and territories. You will not be able to file weekly claims for the 11-week extension until your eligibility has been determined. If you qualify, your determination will provide further directions on how to file your weekly claims. If you are eligible for weeks that have already passed, you will be able to file for those at that time as well.

Hi Andy

Just wanted to tell you I am sick to my stomach. DWD Wisconsin updated their payout date (website) for people who exhausted PUA in December.  Its now April 24th…I’m sick to my stomach. Now you have the absolute truth that Wisconsin [DWD] is the biggest F&*K up in the country.

Jan

Those individuals who have not yet exhausted their PUA benefits should keep filing their weekly claims and will continue to be paid. If you took a break from filing (exhausted/need to start back up) you need to file a new Initial Claim for PUA. You will be prompted to do so on your UI portal.

WI DWD Payment Dates for PUA and PEUC 11-week Unemployment Extensions
WI DWD Payment Dates for PUA and PEUC 11-week Unemployment Extensions

$300 FPUC extension: This has now been rolled and being paid to those with an active claim and can certify/claim benefits. Note however that until you are able toc claim the additional 11-weeks of PUA and PEUC (pending DWD updates) you won’t be able to get the supplementary $300 payment.

“DWD staff have worked diligently to rapidly code, test and implement the FPUC extension, which provides an additional $300 per week in benefits to claimants who are receiving at least $1 in benefits from another program, and are otherwise eligible,” DWD Secretary-designee Pechacek said. “More assistance is needed to help the workers who have bore the brunt of the COVID pandemic, but I am happy that we are able to provide this much needed benefit in a timely manner.”

DWD

Final guidelines on implementing PUA and PEUC program extensions and final eligibility including additional document verification procedures to combat Fraud have been issued by the Department of Labor and then have to be implemented by the state UI agency in their systems and programs. So this could delay the actual date of these payments and associated extra supplementary payment.

UI claimants with existing or expired claim balances should be aware of the following:

  • PUA and PEUC, FPUC will be automatically added to the claimants’ benefits if they are eligible for the weeks outlined in the new legislation.
  • Claimants who will have additional weeks in UI and PUA or PEUC due to state provisions (where applicable) should watch their state agency UI portal or website for updates that will allow additional weeks to be filed (see potential scenarios where you need to take action to get benefits under the new extension)
  • Claimants with weeks remaining in UI should continue to file weekly claims if their state UI systems have been updated for the extended coverage period.
  • Claimants will receive retroactive payments for all weeks they are eligible.
  • Claimants currently receiving benefits through the Extended Benefits program must finish all weeks of EB before receiving additional weeks of PEUC.

I will post additional details as they are released in coming days. So stay tuned for updates.


Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program – Payments Now Paid Out and Program Expired

Wisconsin has completed paying out the $300 weekly payment under the LWA program, which provided supplemental payments to eligible unemployment benefits claimants who were unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. A maximum of 6 weeks of funding was approved by FEMA for all states. DWD took much longer than other states to update systems for processing LWA payments, but unemployed workers should start seeing LWA funds around October 22nd 2020. Processing started earlier in the week, but payments took a few days to hit bank accounts and UI debit cards. LWA benefits will be paid retroactively for those determined eligible according to the following schedule:

Payments from the LWA program will be made retroactively for a maximum of six weeks covering the weeks ending August 1, August 8, August 15, August 22, August 29, and September 5, 2020. Benefits will be back paid in one lump sum ($1800) or via multiple payments depending on the amount the recipient is eligible for. DWD estimates up to 220,000 claimants may be eligible for LWA.

While there is no new application for LWA, claimants must self-certify that they were unemployed or partially unemployed due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. (Those who qualify for PUA are presumed to have met the self-certification requirements.). Claimants eligible for LWA will automatically receive LWA funds in addition to their weekly benefit amount. If you self certify and incorrectly answer the question around being impacted by COVID, you need to contact a claims specialist at (414) 435-7069 or toll-free (844) 910-3661 and ask them to change your answer.

The new LWA payment would be in addition to Regular Unemployment Insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) payments currently available to unemployed Wisconsin workers. The state’s maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $370. When combined with the new program, the maximum possible benefit in Wisconsin will be $670 per week, before tax withholding, and will be retroactive to week ending August 1, 2020. See more details on the states LWA page.

The new Lost Wages program however does cut the federal benefit ($600 FPUC) in half since the state cannot afford to boost the benefit by the additional $100 state contribution requested by Trump.

COVID 19 Enhanced Benefits in Wisconsin

Under the CARES act, there are three types of federal unemployment assistance available:

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA): expands eligibility for individuals who are typically ineligible for Unemployment benefits, including independent contractors, self-employed, and “gig” workers.  Recipients may receive up to 39 weeks of benefits under this program.


• Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC): adds $600 per week in addition to the regular benefits that recipients of Unemployment Insurance are entitled to receive; benefit is retroactive to the week ending April 4, 2020 and the program expired on July 25, 2020. This program has now expired, unless Congress extends it further.

In connection with the executive order from President Trump extending the time period for the program at a reduced $400 per week rate, the “DWD is awaiting clarification and guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor regarding how states may implement President Trump’s executive order restoring additional UI payments for lost wages. The new payments are not available at this time.

• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC): provides an additional 13 weeks of Unemployment benefits to recipients of regular unemployment insurance.

The continued rise in the state’s unemployment rate caused Wisconsin to trigger 13 weeks of extended state benefits to those who have exhausted all other state and federal unemployment aid without returning to work permanently.  The Extended Benefit (EB) program was effective May 17, 2020 and applies to unemployed individuals who have exhausted regular unemployment and PEUC benefits, whichever is later.

Web and/or phone issues with accessing the Wisconsin Unemployment system

Unemployment claims have drastically increased due to the coronavirus. The DWD reported receiving over 1.5 million calls during the week of March 22, 2020.  Due to the lack of personnel and record levels of demand, the DWD strongly encourages filing claims online.

Existing Claimants: Claimants receiving unemployment benefits due to the coronavirus emergency must continue to certify weekly to receive the additional FPUC $600/week benefit. The additional $600/week compensation is retroactive to the week ending April 4 and ends on July 25. FPUC payments are automatically added to your weekly benefit payment.

The DWD began issuing FPUC payments on April 26. Upon exhausting regular and PEUC benefits, eligible claimants must apply for the EB program. Existing claimants should track their current balance online to determine when to apply for EB.

In July, the DWD reported that they had increased their workforce by over 1,000 employees.  While this has expanded their ability to increase call center hours, answer incoming calls, and process more claims, 13% of the approximate 4 million weekly claims filed since March 15 were still undergoing eligibility analysis.   

Filing a Claim

If you are filing a claim for the first time, you can create a new account here on the DWD website. Once you have created a username and password, log on to access online benefit services to complete your application. Existing claimants can log in here to file their weekly claim. You can check the status of your claim here.

To receive unemployment benefits, you must certify for benefits for each week that you are claiming. You must certify within 14 days (about 2 weeks) of the end of the calendar week that you are claiming.

The calendar week runs from Sunday to Saturday. You may only file a claim after the work week has ended. If you do not certify for benefits within 14 days (about 2 weeks) of the end of the calendar week, you will not be able to file online and must reactive your claim.

When certifying your claim, you must do this online and be physically located in the United States, a US Territory, or Canada. Failure to certify your benefits properly may result in the denial of your unemployment benefit.

If there is a problem with your claim that must be resolved before benefits can be paid, or if you have been denied benefits and are appealing the determination, you must still certify for and claim your benefits.

If it is determined that you are eligible or if you win your appeal, you will be paid these benefits retroactively. However, if you have not claimed benefits and you win your appeal, you will not be paid for these weeks.

If you are unable to file your unemployment claim online or need help with online services, call (414) 435-7069 or toll-free (844) 910-3661 (Monday – Friday 6:15 AM – 5:30; Saturday 7:00 AM – 1:30 PM

To apply online for Unemployment Insurance benefits (recommended), you must have:

  • Worked in Wisconsin in the last 18 months
  • Worked for a covered employer that paid in UI

You can also apply by phone.

If applying online, you will need the following information:

  • Valid email address or cellphone number
  • Social Security Number
  • Wisconsin driver’s license or identification number.
  • Work history for the last 18 months including;
    • Employers’ business names
    • Employers’ addresses with zip codes
    • Employers’ phone number
    • First and last date that you worked for each employer
    • Reason you are no longer working for each employer
  • Your current mailing address. Be sure to notify the post office of any address changes so that you do not miss vital information about your claim.

I filed my unemployment claim several weeks ago. Will I receive back pay once my claim is approved?

The DWD is still working through unemployment claims filed under the programs enacted by the Cares Act.  The large volume of claims has slowed down the approval process. The FPUC $600 per week additional benefit expired during the week of July 25. If you have filed an unemployment claim prior to that date and are still awaiting a response regarding your eligibility for unemployment, you will receive any back weeks of FPUC even if the decision is not made until after the July 25 expiration date.  Claimants who are not eligible for regular unemployment may be able to collect benefits under the PUA program.  Before you can file weekly claims under the PUA, your eligibility must be determined.  If you are eligible to participate, the DWD will instruct you as to how to file weekly claims.  If you were eligible for PUA benefits for weeks that have already passed, you will be able to file weekly claims and recover back pay due to you.

Can I collect unemployment benefits if my employer cut my hours?

According to the DWD, individuals who are partially unemployed due to a reduction of hours may be able to collect unemployment benefits.  Recipients must work less than a combined 32 hours per week for all employers and earn less than $500 may be eligible to collect unemployment benefits.

See additional FAQ from the Wisconsin Division of Workforce Development about unemployment benefits.

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52 thoughts on “Wisconsin (WI) Unemployment Insurance Benefits After Expiry of Pandemic Benefits – Latest News and Updates”

  1. The web portal is really difficult to navigate and doesn’t make a lot of sense, “You have no issues preventing payment.” except no payments for the last 4 months.

    Reply
  2. I have been waiting 44 weeks for my PUA benefits cause im on SSDI. It is June 18 2021 they owe me since October 10 2020. Everytime i call PUA they tell me a different story today i called and PUA says i have to reapply. I feel like giving up.

    Reply
    • I am going on 16 weeks: two adjudicators. The last one – by the name of Ryan – promised pay out in 24-72 hours. Well, Ryan – that was two weeks ago. I just got off the phone with another person – yet another title. All the same. He reached out to the “processing” department, as he could not find a valid reason for holdup. Cool: so, when will I be paid the $8,000 (give or take) that I am owed. ((crickets chirping)). I am interviewing for jobs, actively. I am also two months behind on bills, and about to have my car repossessed. I really hate this state. I collected unemployment in Illinois – last year – at the height of the pandemic (due to a layoff). Start to finish: 3 weeks (maybe 4).

      I wouldn’t give up. I’m speaking with reporters from the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal. Maybe an article that goes viral will light a fire under the a$$es of the worthless employees at DWD and UI. That, or a class-action lawsuit. Frankly, the politicians who run this state are accountable – so, hold all of them accountable.

      If you are approved for benefits, end of story. They need to pay: enough of the bull$hit excuses. If the “system” is advanced enough for us to report out employment searches and interviews, they can pay.

      Reply
    • Th.is is Sherry Plante again. Im ready to file a lawsuit with Wisconsin, it is now October 10th 2021 have not received anything and now PUA said to file back from August 2020 nothin but i need g in the bank or any letters from PUA. Im ready to lose everything i worked so hard for before Covid. I am working on limited hours b.ut i need what is rightfully mine. Thank You.

      Reply
  3. Has anyone at all received a response after applying (intial application claim) for the new expanded qualifying criteria PUA?? It’s been 5 weeks that I’ve been waiting to see if I’m even approved or not. All they will tell me is that they don’t know how long I’ll have to wait. I did not qualify in 2020 when my life was falling apart because of the pandemic. All of my savings is long gone. **My gas tank is empty and I have kids.** I have been freaking out! I don’t sleep. I’m having trouble getting hired back into my profession. I actually NEED HELP. But no one will tell me a thing. Are they even processing the applications??!!?
    Any information anyone could offer me would be much appreciated. ~Thank you.

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  4. Can anyone help me? I got a letter saying I could get all the PEUC and FPUC extensions until September 2021 but my portal is zeroed out and and still saying my payments are held held. This is after they said I didn’t qualify for a new UI year. Will it eventually update, we were told late march but it’s been like this for 2 months. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Looks like you are stuck in the PUA claimants group that is awaiting special programming by the DWD (see there website). They should be resolving the issuees soon, so just hang in there and keep calling/checking online for updates.

      Reply
    • It’s actually a glitch I personally just went through this. Check your determinations on your portal. It’s a possibility that instead of going back to your original program PEUC it’s stuck in applying and denying you regular unemployment. Than check out document history to see if you received an letter regarding your PEUC 4/1 or later if so call and ask for a tier two and if they can’t help you make an appointment. They have to manually re enter you into the program problem is a lot of people receiving PEUC portals are not updating. A tier one can’t see all your documents but tier two can and if you make an appointment that’s a tier three and they can manually re enter you to the program. I personally just went through this myself. But if you didn’t receive the Peuc letter in your documents as of April 1 for the quarterly check than you have to wait. You aren’t alone and it’s not as simple as what the website says.

      Reply
    • YES, I ALSO HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM!!! I CALLED A LAWYER WHO SPECIALIZES IN THESE MATTERS. HE HAD CALLED ME BACK IN A MATTER OF, AND IM NOT KIDDING YOU ON THIS, MINUTES!!!! HE HAD TOLD. ME, FOUR DAYS, WI HAS FIXED THE GLITCHES, AND PEUC WILL BE PAID TO THE 90% OF THE UNEMPLOYED WHO ARE GOING THROUGH, OUR EXACT SITUATION!! IF THIS WONT WHET YOUR PALLETT, THEN LOOK UP THE NUMBER ON YOUR PORTAL, IT WILL BE ON THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN, UNDER CONTACT US!!! HOPE THIS HELPS !!!!!

      Reply
  5. Yeah waiting months again…..
    (December 26th) After the politicians put my small business out of business last March 2020. The reason for all of this is Corrupt politicians and out dated computer programs system from the 1970’s that they keep pushing off revamping the whole system. They received all this money from the federal government the last year millions and billions of dollars and can’t buy a new system? They just keep putting bandages on the ancient problem while the people who actually need the money are stuck wait and the politicians take vacations and collect their checks and stuff their pockets with Insider trading and other corrupt actions. Wisconsin is last for just about everything. One of the last to states to allow Concealed carry.

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  6. So i am exhausted of my benefits monies. I received 600$ for the 2 weeks (300 per week) of new cares act. Then i ran out of money. So i have filed the last 2 weeks and have not received anything and my payment history says no payment made because exhausted or does not have benefit weeks. (my weeks ends may 21) but no money in account. Do i keep just filing every week and they will pay my weekly and 300 boost when they have it programmed? Or am i suppose to apply for PUA? (I am /was getting benefits under PEUA) i have been told just keep filing and i also have been told to file for PUA. I dont want to file for PUA and chance holding up my case even longer if i am not suppose to go that route. I have read and called lots of things and people and keep getting told different things. Does anyone know if i just wait it out or file PUA?

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    • Do not file PUA, whomever told you that was wrong. Because they told me to do the same thing, but I didn’t have too. It will take longer because it will have to go through adjudication for them to cancel the PUA claim. It just playing the waiting game!!! Now I have to go through another Adjudication and wait on them to update my portal with the rest of my PFUC funds.

      Reply
  7. I got $300 today out of the $600 LWA back pay… I’m not sure why I only got 1/2 of it…did this happen to anyone else? It should’ve actually been $900 but I’ve exhausted my funds as of last week so until the new extension kicks in my unemployment and LWA will be on hold again. Last time it took 7 weeks for the extension to kick in. I see a few of you are on week 14 of waiting for your initial claim and wondering how much longer it might be, well I waited 18 weeks for my initial claim. At week 15 no one had even asked me for any paperwork or suggested I send it in but I knew I had to send it in. So instead of waiting for them to request my paperwork(doctors notes and proof of separation from employer) so I asked for the fax number. A couple weeks after I got a letter with forms for my doctor to fill out which I immediately faxed to my Dr. And faxed in (they didn’t even see my first fax which was sufficient) Soon as I faxed those in I finally got the call from my Judicary and I got paid the next day after 18 weeks. So my advice to you is if you have paperwork relevant to your claim call and get the fax number so when the judiciary looks at your case it’s all already in the system otherwise you’ll have to wait for your letter gather your paperwork and either mail of fax in which could cause you a longer delay. Your Judicary will call you. The people you get when you call don’t really know much unfortunately but they can help you figure out if there is any paperwork you should be gathering if you haven’t already good luck.

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  8. If they have the system updated for the extra $300 since last week Friday and started paying it out why do we have to wait 8days to receive the backpay they already have us cut off of the PEUC and PUA until who knows rents almost due

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    • Yeah, I could not agree more. My PUA exhausted Dec. 27th so because of the delay getting the new relief bill signed into law I had a week with no benefits. Then the new relief bill becomes law, and I become eligible for 11 more weeks, each with $300 added on to my minimum $163. Because the programming for my weekly $163 was recently a part of the system, you would think that could at least continue, if nothing else. Until the $300 additional weekly gets added on/back paid. Yet I was basically moved to the bottom of the pile again.

      The governor called a special session of the state legislature earlier this month, to address the ANTIQUATED as ALL HELL computer system at the DWD, and the Wisconsin GOP immediately adjourned the session without addressing a god damn WORD of this problem. I don’t like to get political, because I honestly could give a shit if you’re a liberal or conservative, but that’s a politically-motivated move by the Wisconsin GOP and for some of us who are barely hanging on, that’s our lives they’re just casually, limp-wristed gaveling away – not because of some sort of actual principles or even a legitimate opposition to anything – they do it just so they can be dick heads to the governor whose politics they disagree with. Like it’s a joke. Like it’s reality TV. Just dumb, meaningless, idiot BS…and I can’t pay rent.

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      • I couldn’t agree more!! WI politics are the WORST.
        Looks like I have at least 14 more weeks to wait.

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  9. Has anyone else not received the LWA payment in Wisconsin yet? This is getting frustrating. If they started making payments on October 22nd, I would think in almost 2 weeks all payments should be out.

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  10. I see someone asked a similar question, but I was hoping for some clarity.
    I was on unemployment due to layoffs at work. I started backed up a couple of weeks ago so am no longer on unemployment/no longer filing.
    Since I was filing for all of the weeks eligible for the LWA, will I still be getting the assistance. Or since I am now employed am I no longer eligible?

    Reply
    • You would be eligible for those weeks (Aug 1 to Sep 5) – but you will need to reopen your claim and ensure you certified/verified for LWA payments via the website. See article for details.

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    • I also filed all the weeks they are approved for and am also receiving pua. I called them yesterday and all they would say is that all LWA payments were scheduled to be paid by October 31st. Well it’s the 3pth and last day of the week and I still have no change in my dashboard about lwa. I’m at a point of just not trying. I waited from april until the end of August to even recieve my initial unemployment. Wisconsin is a joke. Biggest mistake they mad was not finishing their overhaul of their system.

      Reply
  11. Does anyone know if you were unemployed for all or some of the weeks listed for the LWA but have recently started working, will you receive the retro-pay for the weeks you were unemployed?

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    • Wisconsin started making LWA payments and hitting accounts today. DWD has said delays were due to complex programming needed to their existing systems (yet other states able to get it out much faster!). Payments will be made over the next few days and should all be disbursed by next week. Article updated

      The max is 6 weeks and you need to meet LWA eligibility criteria for each of the weeks to get the maximum $1800 payment or you will just $300 p/week you were eligible. Yes all retro now since last date of the program was Sep 5th.

      Reply
      • Thank you Andy! I live in Wisconsin and I did receive my LWA payments tonight. I noticed on my unemployment page. There also was a message about the six weeks being payed and eligibility requirements. So Wisconsin is finally paying out!

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        • Hi Lisa, I live in Wisconsin and am still waiting for my lwa payment. I was wondering what the letter is to your last name cause I read that they may be distributing them by last name and mine starts with S. I just checked again and still haven’t received it. If you could let give me any info on it I would greatly appreciate it, Thanks

  12. So what the heck is the new collaboration with google cloud and DWD? is that what they have been working on instead of “programming the system” for LWA payments for us wisconsin people that are out of work and have no money and need that extra money for rent and little things like food lol I read their press release and i know i dont understand all the wording but sounds like they are going to get info from google on people that apply. Is that true? Is our privacy policy thru google going to be compromised? Since they have that done Maybe now they can work on the LWA payments…..

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  13. If Wisconsin won’t finish. Programming until the end of October, wouldn’t this actually mean that Wisconsinites won’t actually get the $300 LWA payment until November?????

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  14. 14 weeks and waiting! Not just for the $300…for ANY benefit! I FINALLY have an appt. for a call back today at 2pm BUT every time I have talked to anyone there I’ve been told that I “just have to wait”, that they are behind for everyone. I am no longer hopeful at this point.

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    • Can u please update this….like someone eles said wisconsin is the only state without any date..wy? Wy is wisconsin always last to do everything…our govener dragged his feet on applying for this knowing we needed this…i have a family of 4 to feed …we were doing great till u closed my work down for this PLANdemic…please help the people of Wisconsin for once

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      • Article/dates updated. Wisconsin started making LWA payments and hitting accounts today for many eligible recipients. DWD has said delays were due to complex programming needed to their existing systems (yet other states able to get it out much faster!). Payments will be made over the next few days and should all be disbursed by next week.

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  15. Everybody upset it might take until the end of October to recieve the extra $300, meanwhile im here, a single mom doing everything she can to hardly get buy waiting on receiving my INITIAL unemployment claim for nearly 14 weeks. Can’t make it with the extra $300? Try getting by without almost 14 weeks of pay. They need to get the INITIAL claims out before the extra goes out.. at least those waiting for the boost are getting something well some us aren’t getting anything besides collection calls, eviction notices, and hungry cause we haven’t received anything. I lost my home, im gonna lose my car, I can’t afford to pay child care so I can go back to work, I need to get food and clothes for my son and I have no way of doing so. Something has to give right now cause some of us can’t continue to lose it all. Id rather have a little money for my bills and such than nothing at all.

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    • Really sorry to hear your story Megan. Please call your state UI agency (you may have to try several times) to get someone. Also you should contact local churches and aid agencies to see if they can help you as well. Google “aid options near me” to see what is locally available. If you don’t get help, leave a comment here and I can try and help a little.

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    • First I want to apologize for what you are going through no one should have been put in the position to lose everything they have worked hard for. And struggling like this is so beyond unfair. Myself if it weren’t for my tax refund I would have been in position it took almost two and half months to receive unemployment. My payments kept saying pending for weeks on end. If you payments say pending on your dashboard call the collections for unemployment 608-266-9701 and also email these people email [email protected] whoever these people are they are awesome. I called the collections number I was unemployed years and years ago so I went by any chance was I over paid or something cause my payments have been pending I have sent all my paperwork I want to know what’s going on no one is helping me here and I know no one within unemployment is going to pay my bills. The lady looked into my account and says no but I am not understanding why your payments haven’t been released it was simply her hitting button she apologized to whoever didn’t finish my claim and I had it in two days. Emailing them also helped they did get back to me a day later but looked into my account called me and told me payment was on the way. That they were confused also why it wasn’t released a month before that. It’s worth the shot if the payments are pending. Figured I would share my experience if anything maybe it would help in someway. I am so sorry you are going through this I truly am.

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    • I know how you feel Megan. I waited from feb till the 3rd week in July . I got a eviction notice prior to that . I tried to explain to the courts I even applied for the $3400 rent help with proper paperwork But My landlord did not cooperate with me ! I was tossed out in the streets . Then Trump stopped evictions but it was to late for me . The unemployment payment came it came all at once which was great but the money was supposed to help me get on my feet not find a new house moving storage & then find a place with a eviction not easy those unemployment funds ! I think got wasted . So I feel your pain please try and wait it out but do what you can on your rent . I’d hate to see a single mom be in my situation on Jan 1st when the evictions start again. The only nice thing is they will and do pay you all at once for the weeks you are waiting so you will receive a huge amount ! Hang in there I don’t wish your situation on anyone ! Keep your head up Megan the sad thing is all you can do is starve , be broke & wait for that big check . I hope you get it in the next few weeks ! Wish for the best n expect the worse they take forever . I was not prepared fir the worst I thought I was in IT !!!!!!! G luck !

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  16. Yeah i agree what the heck is taking wisconsin so flipping long 8 weeks that is a lifetime to those of us out of work and have no money! Tony evers has dragged his feet on this whole process! Waiting 3 weeks to even apply when he KNOWS we have a “supposably” outdated computer system! Why would u wait 3 weeks to even apply if u know its gonna take forever to reprogramming the system!! He (tony evers) has dropped the ball on this for all wisconsinites! This is appalling that we are the LAST state to recieve this benifit and 3 weeks after everyone else has stated getting it!(if its end of october) how is it they were able to reprogram faster for the 600? Maybe they should hire off the street coders and programmers they would have it done already!!

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    • Misty, I’m not happy about that either. I appreciate him getting rid of the waiting week and the job search though, but yeah waiting this long for the 300 is too long! We should get 400 for the long wait!

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    • Don’t blame Evers, blame the obsolete computer systems that Walker failed to update. If Walker was still governor, you wouldn’t see any state assistance.

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      • It isn’t obsolete. they are just saying that. I used to live in Mississippi. They are at least 20 years behind in technology. They had their people paid first week of sept. I have heard from multiple programmers that it shouldn’t take more than a few days. A week at most.

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      • None of the aid we received was from the state Evers won’t allow it he waited to long to apply for the federal aid we got . I don’t by that they couldn’t send it faster there system was upgraded . That’s how we got the extra $600 from the cares act ! All they would have to do is use the same system! Evers should have applied ASAP democratic or republicans politics . Should not have played a roll . He said he didn’t agree where the funds came from which was FEMA . Arizona applied the same week that the executive order came out That state use the same system and get their checks out within a week if he knew the computers were going to take this long to upgrade he should’ve took the funds immediately that’s just my opinion though I don’t think either parties are doing well We have our interest in mind or what’s right for the public. Hope everyone has a great day and things will get better soon

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    • Agree 100% he waited to long to ask for those FEMA funds because he is politically motivated. He does not care about us fighting to pay rent get food ETC . I lost the roof over my head in august then bam my Cliam was approved instead of rebuilding my life I had to use it to pay storage move & try and find a place to stay that excepts evictions ! He forgot about us little guys there was nothing I could do but try & move forward & wait again for this 300 which should be 400 a week . Evers said Wisconsin can’t afford the extra $100 but yet everyone needs it bad the collect so much when the economy is good ! He should dig deep n find that $100 bucks n defund one of his ideas we won’t use ! Sorry I was rambling that hits home !! Good luck n have a great day !!

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  17. Yes, why is it Tony Evers waited 3 damn weeks before even applying? I Mean he bypasses blame on his self. And Wisconsin residents are hungry, homeless and broke. This includes myself Why do we always have the most outdate shit in our State? I Mean let’s just tell it like it is at least for me and my family. NONE and I mean Not a damn one that I can think of gives 2 shits about any of us Americans that make this state and country run!!!! Not Tony Evers, Congrests, Democrats or Republicans. It is so sad to realize that the only time these morons do anything even emotely to assist us or rush to get us what we need and are owed is only when their pocket books are affected. I Wonder if Tony Evers was relying on these benefits or the Dwd heads would it still be 8 weeks then or would they move their asses just a little quicker???? Hmmm…,… SMH CAN WE GET SOME RELIEF?

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    • I understand what you’re saying because I too was evicted waiting for 14 weeks of unemployment and multiple weeks of the lwa. The only good thing about it is when I was self-employed I end up finding a RV very cheap and purchasing it every hobby project. Sorry to say that project is now become my home. I am still pending unemployment status I’ll go I call multiple times every morning. I think we all need to get government jobs so we can run around screw up and get weekly checks just like they do. It is crazy that if the phrase I’m sorry took care of anything it would create a vaccine for covid-19 now with the amount of times I’ve heard it from the unemployment agencies! What is even worse they’re still planning on building more prisons throughout this time. And who her that they are letting inmates file for pandemic assistance!!! To them it is only a business and we are the merchandise. See they’re working very hard for the inmates can start receiving funds because the only thing they can do is grease their pockets with that money

      This is what needs to happen in politics before you run for an office you need to readjust the Lifestyle by force, I mean completely live like a normal resident in your community. And this should go for all hire Representatives Mayors Governors judges district attorneys and so forth. If you can account for someone else’s lifestyle I think you need to be placed in that lifestyle before you even get a chance to represent your county state or federal government.
      Example: before a person can even become a judge they should have to sit down in a courtroom and be judged sit down jobs for prosecutor get convicted and take that long bus ride to prison and see what it’s like

      I can say this to everyone who is reading this. I grew up Phenix City where this situation is nothing. Yes I lost my house a career job a material items. But like my dad told me hanging go hard because the only builds character.

      It’s going to be a long struggle and these times are not over with yet everybody Focus stick together because we are what makes this country great! I mean come on people let’s go back to the Stone Age. We might not have everything what if we have each other will have enough.

      Who knows the old story about making rock soup?

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  18. Wy is wisconsin taking the longest…8 weeks is a little rediculess…almost all other states have already started paying..i don’t understand wy Wisconsin is last to do anything…my family needs this money

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    • When are we supposed to be getting the extra 300?? Wisconsin is taking a long time!! On there website it doesn’t say updating until end of October anymore!!

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  19. Why is it taking 8 weeks, when other states have already started to disburst the extra $300? Since the dates keeps charging, which dates are correct? The rep i spoke to started that they will be released before then… What is the truth?

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  20. i have been reading that the Wisconsin DWD states we wont see any payments for the LWA unti end of OCTOBER!!! what!!! I noticed this article is saying end of September….who is right? my family needs this extra income so bad! Im so tired of this system not helping the people who really need it the most!

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    • You can go to the official DWD site (link in article) and confirm their statement – “Programming for LWA is expected to be completed by the end of October 2020. Benefits will be paid retroactively for those determined eligible.”

      Unfortunately Wisconsin looks like it will be one of, if not the last state to play out LWA benefits.

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