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Eligibility Issues FAQ

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Eligibility issues are assigned on a first come first serve basis. We try to contact you regarding your eligibility issue within 21 days. You may get a telephone call, a letter to complete and return, or a scheduled interview notice.

No, all of our investigations are conducted by telephone or letter.

Each interview is scheduled as early as possible. Remember to keep filing your weekly claims while you're waiting for the interview.

We will call you within 15 minutes before or after the scheduled time. If you haven't heard from us in that time period, call the phone number on the notice.

If your separation from your last employer was for anything other than layoff, we will conduct a fact-finding interview by phone or send a questionnaire to secure information from you, your employer and any other relevant parties before we can determine your eligibility. No payments can be made until we issue a decision, and that decision allows benefits. Until we know all of the circumstances about your separation, we can't tell you whether you'll be eligible.

If your separation from your last employer was for anything other than layoff, we will conduct a fact-finding interview by phone or send a questionnaire to secure information from you, your employer and any other relevant parties before we can determine your eligibility. No payments can be made until we have issued a decision, and that decision allows benefits. Until we know all of the circumstances about your separation, we can't tell you whether you'll be eligible.

You can try out a job for up to 30 calendar days. If you quit within that time we will look at the reason for quitting. If we wouldn't have expected you to take the job because of the wages, conditions, distance, etc., in the first place, you will not be penalized for trying the job out.

No, we do not require you to relocate in order to accept a job or to continue a job when the employer relocates beyond a reasonable commuting distance.

You are required to answer "yes" to being self-employed if you are self-employed or operating your own business.

To be eligible for benefits, you must be able, available, actively looking for work, and willing to accept suitable work. If it is determined your self-employment prevents you from the requirements, you may be disqualified.

Income from self-employment is not considered wages and is not deducted from unemployment benefits.

Call a claims specialist during business hours for more information.

We try to resolve all issues within a week after the scheduled interview, but in certain situations it may take a little longer.

If you plan to appeal the decision, continue to file your weekly claims. If the decision is later reversed and benefits are allowed, those weeks could then be paid.

If you do not intend to appeal, then stop filing your weekly claims. Review the decision and when the requalifying requirements have been met, and you're again unemployed, apply online at https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov.

Go online to https://my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov for information about your benefit account. For help using online services call (414) 435-7069 or toll-free (844) 910-3661 during business hours.

Nothing. You do not need to take any action; just stop filing.