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Jim Doyle Governor Roberta Gassman Secretary

State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, November 19, 2008 CONTACT: Dick Jones, Agency Liaison, 608-267-4780

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY 201 East Washington Avenue P.O. Box 7946 Madison, WI 53707-7946 Telephone: (608) 266-3131 Fax: (608) 266-1784 http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/ e-mail: [email protected]

Unemployed Workers Encouraged to File for Benefits Online
MADISON ­ With unemployment rising nationally, Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Division Administrator Hal Bergan today urged unemployed workers in Wisconsin to apply for unemployment insurance benefits by using the state's Internet site, www.ucclaim-wi.org, a safe, secure site providing the fastest service. "People can save time and avoid delays if they use the Internet site," Bergan said. "Some claims will require help from a member of our staff, and we are happy to assist all callers. But even in these instances, if an individual starts by applying for benefits at our ucclaim-wi.org site, we can process the claim more quickly. We can expedite benefits for that individual and then help the next person in line." If people don't have a computer with Internet access at home, they can use a computer at their local public library or a Job Center. They also have the option of filing a claim by phone and using Wisconsin's automatic Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system. The toll-free number is 800-822-5246. Claims can be filed using the online site or IVR system at the following times: Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Claims specialists are available to provide assistance by phone Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Whether filing by Internet or phone, the process is faster if applicants have the necessary personal information at hand. To file for unemployment benefits, you should be ready to provide the following: · Your Social Security number; · Your Wisconsin driver's license number, if you have one; · Your Alien Registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen; · Name, address with zip code and phone number for each of your employers during the last 18 months; · Your first and last dates of work; and, the reason you are no longer working. In addition, applicants will be asked to create a four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN), which will be needed to claim weekly benefits. Entering the required information via the Internet site or IVR system will speed the process, even if the applicant finds it necessary to call a claims representative. People should file during the first week they are unemployed to avoid any loss of benefits. Unemployed workers in Wisconsin are entitled to up to 26 weeks of benefits. Federal extended benefits may add another 13 weeks. Payments are based on previous earnings up to a maximum benefit of $355 per week. -30-

Wisconsin.gov