The Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Division (WUID) is urging unemployed workers to use the state's Internet site — www.ucclaim-wi.org — to apply for unemployment insurance benefits.
A WUID official says that although some claims will ultimately require help from a member of the department's staff, an individual claimant should start his or her application at the ucclaim-wi.org site, for the fastest processing.
People who don't have a computer with Internet access at home can use a computer at their local public library or a Wisconsin Job Center.
They also can file a claim by phone, using Wisconsin's automatic Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system, toll free, at 800-822-5246.
Claims can be filed using the online site or IVR system Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Claim specialists are available to provide help 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 information at hand:
- Social Security number
- Wisconsin driver's license number, if applicant has one
- Alien Registration number, if not a U.S. citizen
- Name, address, zip code, and phone number of each employer from the last 18 months
- First and last dates worked, and the reason the applicant is no longer working.
Entering the required information via the Internet or the IVR will speed up the process, even if the applicant finds it necessary to call a claims representative.
