Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance
Wisconsin · Unemployment
dwd.wisconsin.gov/uibenState Unemployment Benefits in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development administers unemployment insurance. When a claimant dies, Wis. Stat. 108.13(3) lets the Department designate who receives any benefits that were payable for a week the claimant was otherwise eligible, and DWD has a separate documented process for releasing the deceased claimant's 1099-G to the estate.
Steps to take when someone dies
Required Documents
- Certified death certificate: to request the deceased claimant's 1099-G. DWD mails back the 1099-G and returns the original certified death certificate.
- Signed letter showing authority to administer the estate: to request the deceased claimant's 1099-G. A signed letter showing the representative is authorized to administer the estate, or a domiciliary letter granting duties of a personal representative.
- Address for returning the 1099-G and death certificate: to request the deceased claimant's 1099-G, if the address is not on the domiciliary letter
State Unemployment Benefits in Wisconsin: key facts
What Wisconsin says4
- Tax statements
The estate's representative obtains the deceased claimant's 1099-G by mailing a certified death certificate, a signed letter showing authority to administer the estate or domiciliary letters, and the mailing address to UI. DWD mails back the 1099-G and returns the original certified death certificate.1
- Claimant portal
Claimants use the claimant portal at my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov.1
- Reporting a death
Contact the UI Help Center to report a claimant's death and ask what DWD requires from the person acting for the estate.2
- Who may claim a final payment
If a claimant dies during or after a week of unemployment in which they were otherwise eligible and for which benefits are payable, Wis. Stat. 108.13(3) lets DWD designate "any person who in its judgment should properly receive the benefits in lieu of the claimant."3
Wis. Stat. 108.13(3) sets no priority order among spouse, personal representative, or heirs, and DWD decides case by case. A receipt or an endorsement from the designated person fully discharges the fund from liability for the benefits.3
Governing law: Wis. Stat. 108.13(3)
Not in Wisconsin's published guidance1
- A dedicated death-reporting procedure for claimants
Wisconsin unemployment benefits
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance
Phone
Toll-free
1099-G questions
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Wisconsin
Free tools for settling an estate in Wisconsin: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Wisconsin: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 180 daysWis. Stat. §§ 858.01, 858.13, 858.15, 858.17Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsWis. Stat. §§ 859.01, 859.02, 859.07, 859.25 (Verified 2026-10-19)Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Wisconsin requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Wis. Stat. § 71.06(1r), (2e)(bm); Wis. Stat. § 71.05(22)(dp), (dt)Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
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