Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance
What to expect if you file for unemployment benefits in Wisconsin
Max weekly benefit
$655
Max duration
26 weeks
Max total benefit
$17,030
How benefit is calculated4% of base-period wages
Waiting weekYes — first week unpaid
StateWisconsin (WI)
⚠️ Wisconsin has a one-week waiting period. Your first week of unemployment is unpaid — benefits begin in week 2 after your claim is approved.
File for unemployment in Wisconsin →About Wisconsin unemployment insurance
In Wisconsin, the maximum weekly unemployment benefit is $655 and benefits can last up to 26 weeks. Your actual benefit amount depends on your wage history — 4% of base-period wages.
To qualify, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own (layoffs qualify; quitting or being fired for cause typically does not). You must be actively searching for work each week you claim benefits.
File as soon as possible after your last day — there is typically a 2–4 week processing delay between filing and receiving your first payment. Wisconsin also requires a one-week waiting period before benefits begin.