Another way you can file for your Wisconsin unemployment benefits is by telephone.

• If you live in the Madison area, you can file by dialing (608) 232-0678.
• In theMilwaukee area, file by calling (414) 438-7700.
• Anywhere in Wisconsin or the United States, you can call 1-800-822-5246.

It might be easier to remember this number by thinking 1-800-UC CLAIM. Due to the high volume of callers, you have a better chance of getting a hold of a person by using one of the first two numbers. Just
make sure the calls are not long distance for you before dialing.

When you file for your Wisconsin unemployment benefits, you will need to provide
your Social Security Number. The number is required by law and provides the
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development the opportunity to verify your wage
and other data you provide. Unlike most states, Wisconsin will also require you to
create a 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). Having your own number
provides you for greater security of your information. Nobody will be able to
provide any information about your claim without providing the Social Security
Number and PIN. For this reason, you need to come up with a PIN that you can recall
but one that nobody else knows.

Another piece of information you need to give is your Wisconsin driver’s license
number, if you have one. You will be expected to give a list of every employer you
worked for during the prior 18 months, including their name, full address, phone
number, the reason you are not currently employed there, and the date you began the
job and date you ended the job.

Filing your initial claim for unemployment benefits is the first step in the
process. The next step is to file weekly claim certifications, which you must do
within 14 days from the end of the calendar week you are claiming. You cannot file
your claim for a week until the week is finished. It is in your best interest to
answer every question completely and correctly. This lowers the risk that your
benefits are delayed. It also lowers the chances of you being penalized.

Your eligibility to collect unemployment insurance is dependent on a number of
factors. First, you must be mentally and physically able to work. In addition, you
must be available to work for any shift required by the type of work you are
seeking. You need to be actively seeking a job.

If you are out of work in Wisconsin, be sure to do everything required for filing
for unemployment in Wisconsin. The people at the Wisconsin Department of Workforce
Development are available to assist you and answer your questions.

Because so many people in Wisconsin are affected by unemployment the office has been
flooded with calls. You may have better results if you call in Tuesday through
Friday. If you don’t get through the first time, just try again later. Try to use
the Madison or Milwaukee phone numbers as long as they aren’t long distance calls
for you.

Before you begin the call, make sure you have everything you need. You’ll need to
provide your Social Security Number. You will also need to create a 4-digit
Personal Identification Number (PIN). This is a number that the system uses for
verification purposes. So, it’s important that you can remember the number. Just
make sure it’s a number that other people can’t figure out. You will also be
requested to provide your Wisconsin driver’s license number, if you have a license.
Finally, you’ll need a list of all employers you worked for during the previous 18
months, including their name, complete address, phone number, the reason you are no
longer working there, and your first and last dates of work.

After you get the initial claim filed, you need to remember to file weekly claim
certifications for your benefit check. The Wisconsin unemployment office can help
you with that as well. You can reach the office in the Madison area by dialing
(608) 261-9990. In the Milwaukee area, dial (414) 438-5395. Throughout Wisconsin
or if you happen to be out of state, you can use the toll free number of
1-800-978-7887. Any of these numbers will get you to the automated claim system,
which is available Sunday 9:00 AM – midnight, Monday-Friday 1:00 AM – midnight, or
Saturday 1:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

If you want to get more information about unemployment benefits, or talk to a Claims
Specialist, here are some other numbers you can use. In the Madison area, call
(608) 232-0824. In the Milwaukee area, call (414) 438-7713. Anywhere in Wisconsin
or the United States you can read the Wisconsin unemployment office toll free by
using 1-800-494-4944. Claims Specialists are available Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 5:30
PM.

When you file for weekly benefits, be prepared to answer a series of questions. The
system will want to know that you were physically and mentally able to work. You
will also need to be able to state that you were actively looking for work. Honesty
truly is the best policy, so it is in your best interests to make sure the answers
you provide are true to the best of your knowledge.