State Unemployment Benefits in Wisconsin

State Unemployment Benefits in Wisconsin: key facts

Administering agency

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), Unemployment Insurance Division.

Claimant portal

my.unemployment.wisconsin.gov

Claimant assistance

UI Help Center: (414) 435-7069, or toll-free (844) 910-3661.

Who may receive the final payment

Under Wis. Stat. 108.13(3), if a claimant dies during or after a week for which benefits are payable, DWD "may designate any person who in its judgment should properly receive the benefits in lieu of the claimant." The statute sets no priority order among spouse, personal representative, or heirs; DWD decides case by case, and the designated person's receipt discharges the fund.

Reporting a death

DWD publishes no dedicated death-reporting procedure for claimants. Contact the UI Help Center at (414) 435-7069 or toll-free (844) 910-3661 to report a claimant's death and ask what DWD requires from the person acting for the estate.

Getting the deceased claimant's 1099-G

The estate's representative mails a certified death certificate, a signed letter showing authority to administer the estate (or domiciliary letters), and the mailing address to UI, P.O. Box 8400, Madison, WI 53708. DWD mails back the 1099-G and returns the original certified death certificate. 1099-G questions: (608) 266-2999.

Governing law: Wis. Stat. 108.13(3)

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Call the DWD UI Help Center at (414) 435-7069 or toll-free (844) 910-3661 to report the claimant's death.
2. Ask DWD whether benefits are payable for any week before the death for which the claimant was otherwise eligible, and how it will designate the person to receive them (Wis. Stat. 108.13(3)).
3. To obtain the deceased's 1099-G tax statement, mail a certified death certificate, a signed letter showing your authority to administer the estate (or domiciliary letters), and the mailing address to UI, P.O. Box 8400, Madison, WI 53708.

Frequently asked questions