Getting an unemployment benefits extension in Wisconsin is only possible in times of high state unemployment. Unemployment compensation extensions are not a typical option for WI residents who have exhausted their standard unemployment benefits.
Rather, there are special programs that are launched by the federal government and the Department of Workforce Development to help unemployed citizens during periods when the state is experiencing adverse economic conditions.
- Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Wisconsin
- How to Get an Unemployment Extension in Wisconsin
- Past Federal Unemployment Extension Programs
Wisconsin Unemployment Resources
Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Wisconsin
Wisconsin federal unemployment extension programs are activated when the state experiences high unemployment in a given period of time. At the moment, there are no active unemployment compensation extension programs, and only payments for regular unemployment benefits are being issued.
The main purpose of these unemployment extension programs is to provide additional weeks of financial assistance to unemployed individuals if they are unable to find a job due to a lack of job openings. This is considered a critical situation and such emergency benefits are provided for a limited amount of time.
However, while the programs are in effect, benefit recipients must still make sure to actively look for employment and not reject work if it is offered.
In addition, not all unemployed workers who receive regular benefits will be eligible for unemployment compensation extensions. Typically, the department decides who will continue to receive benefits based on various factors, and the eligible individuals will be promptly notified.
The Extended Benefits Program can become active if funds for unemployment benefits extensions are provided by the federal government, like when the state is experiencing:
- Adverse economic conditions.
- An extremely high unemployment rate.
The EB program provides only 13 additional weeks of unemployment compensation extensions. However, each state’s economic situation is different, and if there is a lack of funds, these programs may be cut short or deactivated altogether.
All unemployed workers in the UI program must maintain their eligibility at all times in order to continue receiving benefits. Failure to comply with the regular program requirements can result in the termination of your benefits and your ineligibility for a federal unemployment extension.
In any case, it is crucial for all benefit recipients to actively look for work in order to support themselves financially and not rely solely on government assistance.
How to Get an Unemployment Extension in Wisconsin
You should learn about the program’s specific eligibility requirements and regulations, which are set by the Department of Workforce Development.
If you are considered eligible for regular unemployment assistance, you still may not be eligible for an unemployment benefits extension. In this case, you should contact your nearest unemployment insurance office and ask how to get an unemployment extension given your situation.
Normally, the department notifies the candidates who are eligible for extended benefits, and their federal unemployment extension is processed automatically.
However, the department only processes applications while the emergency programs are active. This means that if your regular benefit period has expired, you will not be able to apply for unemployment extensions unless your state has an extended benefit period in effect.
If you are eligible for an unemployment compensation extension, the amount of the extended benefits should be equal to the amount of your standard initial benefits.
Past Federal Unemployment Extension Programs
When the economic situation in Wisconsin requires it, federal unemployment extension programs may be activated.
For instance, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program temporarily gave qualified workers additional weeks of unemployment payment in 2008, but it expired in 2013. And in 2020, the federal government initiated the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program, which ended in 2021.
Last Updated: October 17, 2022