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.