The Wisconsin unemployment calculator is a helpful tool for people who are currently without a job. It allows you to estimate your potential weekly benefit rate. However, it’s important to note that this tool is not a guarantee of the actual compensation you may receive through Wisconsin UI benefits.
Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits Calculator
How are Wisconsin unemployment benefits calculated?
Your weekly benefit rate represents the highest amount of unemployment insurance that can be provided to you each week you meet the UI eligibility criteria.
To determine your weekly benefit rate, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will take 4% of the wages in your highest earning quarter of your base period. If your weekly benefit rate is less than $54, you will not be eligible for UI benefits. The maximum weekly benefit rate allowed is $370—you cannot earn more than this, no matter what your previous wages were.
For example, if your highest earning quarter wages were $7,500, your weekly benefit amount would be $300. If your highest earning quarter wages were $3,000, your weekly benefit amount would be $120.
How many weeks do I get Wisconsin unemployment benefits?
You can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks. Once you apply for Wisconsin unemployment benefits, your claim remains active for one year, beginning from the date of filing. Your maximum benefit amount is determined based on two factors: 26 times your weekly benefit rate or 40% of your total base period wages from insured employment, whichever is smaller.
Think of your maximum benefit amount as the balance in a checking account. As you receive unemployment benefits throughout your benefit year, the amount paid is deducted from this amount until it reaches zero. If your full benefit amount is paid before your benefit year ends, no further benefits can be paid to you, even if you remain unemployed.
Once your benefit year concludes, any remaining balance cannot be paid to you. If you are still unemployed after your benefit year ends, you can file a new application to start a new benefit year based on wages earned during the new base period of your unemployment claim.
What is a base period?
The base period is the time frame used to review your wages and determine if you qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. It includes the first four out of the last five calendar quarters worked before you filed your application for a new benefit year.
If your wages during this base period are not sufficient to qualify for benefits, an alternate base period will be considered. The alternate base period includes the four most recently worked calendar quarters before the week you filed your initial claim for benefits.
Are Extended Benefits available?
At the moment, there are no Extended Benefits available in Wisconsin. Normally, Extended Benefits are offered when the unemployment rate reaches a specific level. They may also be offered during certain economic situations, like after a natural disaster or pandemic.
Can I work part time and receive benefits?
Yes. However, if you work or earn any income, it will affect the amount of unemployment benefits you receive each week. If you work, miss work, or receive payments like holiday pay, vacation pay, severance pay, or sick pay for 32 hours or more in a week, you won’t receive any benefits.
If you work fewer than 32 hours and earn $500 or less in a week, a “partial wage formula” is used to calculate a portion of your weekly UI benefits. Here’s how it works:
- Subtract $30.00 from your total gross income.
- Multiply the remaining amount by 0.67 (67%).
- Subtract this new amount (including cents) from your weekly benefit amount.
- Round down the result to the nearest whole dollar. This is the partial amount of UI benefits you’ll receive for that week.
How do I get paid?
When you apply for Wisconsin unemployment benefits, you have two choices for receiving payments:
- Direct deposit—To use this option, you’ll need a U.S. checking or savings account and the routing number, account number, and account type from your bank or credit union.
- Visa debit card from U.S. Bank—If you don’t choose direct deposit, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will send your unemployment insurance payments to a prepaid debit card provided by U.S. Bank. Once your benefit payments are approved, U.S. Bank will send the card within two business days. It may take about seven to 10 business days for the postal service to deliver the card to you. The card will arrive in a plain, white envelope with a window.
What if I filed my weekly claim but didn’t receive payment?
To see if a deposit is being processed, log into your my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov account and click “My UI Summary.” If you have questions about a deposit payment, you can call the claimant assistance hotline. If you have questions about a U.S. Bank debit card payment, you can log into your account at usbankreliacard.com or call U.S. Bank Cardholder Services at (855) 279-1271.
Are unemployment benefits taxable income?
Yes, it is important to report the unemployment compensation you receive on your yearly income taxes. You have the option to have the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development deduct 10% of your weekly benefit rate for federal taxes and 5% for state taxes.
At the end of the tax year, you will receive Form 1099-G. This form is necessary for filing your income taxes and should be used accordingly.