What is the maximum unemployment benefit in Wisconsin?

$370 a week as of July 1, 2026; the minimum is $54.

How many weeks of unemployment can you get in Wisconsin?

Up to 26 weeks (14-26 weeks depending on base-period wages).

Does Wisconsin have a waiting week for unemployment?

Yes. The first eligible week is an unpaid waiting week.

How do I file for unemployment in Wisconsin?

File an initial claim with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/apply/.

Wisconsin unemployment benefits

In Wisconsin, unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks and pay up to $370 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is an unpaid waiting week, and you file with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

By Justin KullaLast updated October 6, 2026

Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.

File a claim with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development →

Wisconsin benefits at a glance

Wisconsin unemployment insurance facts, with sources
Maximum weekly benefit	$370source, July 1, 2026
Minimum weekly benefit	$54source, July 1, 2026
Maximum weeks of benefits	26 weeks (14-26 weeks depending on base-period wages)source, July 1, 2026
Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate	Nosource, July 1, 2026
Unpaid waiting week	Yessource, October 6, 2026
Severance pay	The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment. This applies only when the payment is allocated by the close of the week, payable at the full applicable wage rate, and the claimant had notice of the allocation. A claimant is ineligible for any week with 32+ hours of termination pay totaling over $500, alone or combined with wages.source, January 1, 2023
Pay in lieu of notice	Check with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Work-search requirement	Claimants must complete at least 4 work search activities per week. The agency may increase or direct the requirement.source, January 1, 2023
Extended benefits	Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026
How to file	the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development source, October 6, 2026

Weekly amounts exclude dependents’ allowances. Severance, pay in lieu of notice and work-search entries dated January 1, 2023 come from the Department of Labor’s latest Comparison of State UI Laws, which reflects state law on that date; confirm them with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Severance and unemployment in Wisconsin

Severance pay: The weekly benefit is reduced by the weekly prorated amount of the payment. This applies only when the payment is allocated by the close of the week, payable at the full applicable wage rate, and the claimant had notice of the allocation. A claimant is ineligible for any week with 32+ hours of termination pay totaling over $500, alone or combined with wages.

Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): Check with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

File as soon as you are out of work even if you received severance. The agency decides how payments affect your claim, and most states pay only from the week you file.

Local workforce boards in Wisconsin

Public workforce boards run American Job Centers, which offer free help with job search, training and benefits.

If you’re a laid-off professional

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws and Comparison of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, the DOL Extended Benefits trigger notice, and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Where official sources disagree or a figure could not be confirmed, this page says to check with the agency rather than estimate. Rules change; the agency’s decision on your claim is what counts. See our editorial standards.