Eligibility Issues FAQ

Eligibility issues are assigned on a first come, first served basis. We try to contact you regarding your eligibility issue within 21 days.

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

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 get 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 determination, and that determination allows benefits. Until we know the circumstances of your separation, we don't know if 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 get 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 determination, and that determination allows benefits. Until we know the circumstances of your separation, we don't know if you'll be eligible.

You can try out a job for up to 30 calendar days. The conditions of the job, wages, etc., will be considered when you quit a job within 30 calendar days. We won't know if you will be eligible due to the distance until we get information from you, your employer, and any other relevant parties and issue a determination.

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

• When and how to report working and earning wages
• Do I have to report retirement pay
• How to report other types of income

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 meeting the requirements, you may be disqualified.

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

If you plan to appeal the determination, continue to file your weekly claims so you can be paid if the determination is reversed.

Log on 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.

The Bureau of Legal Affairs has published a number of questions and answers about the hearing process. Information on how to file an appeal is under "Before a Hearing."

You do not need to take any action. Just stop filing.