Below is a list of links for workers in need that may be of help. While certainly not exhaustive, these links may provide some necessary information. The
Filing for Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance helps workers who lose their job or have their hours reduced recover lost wages. An employee impacted by COVID-19 does not necessarily need to be completely let go from their job to be eligible for UI benefits. The UI benefits during this pandemic have been expanded to include some workers who are not traditionally eligible, such as the self-employed and part-time workers affected by COVID-19. Here are some resources about unemployment insurance:
- COVID-19 and Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits: FAQ
- Wisconsin's Unemployment Insurance Program: File for benefits, information
- Wisconsin’s Unemployment Insurance: Video from DWD on how to apply for benefits
- Information for the Public Including Unemployment and Employment and Training
Filing for Worker’s Compensation
Working people have the right to worker’s compensation benefits if they are injured or infected as a result of their work, including being infected by the Coronavirus. Here is a resource about filing for worker’s compensation:
Paid Family Leave
Due to newly-enacted federal laws, many employers need to provide employees with paid leave during this pandemic. Here are two general resources to see if you are eligible for paid leave:
- U.S. Dept. of Labor: Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Employee Paid Leave Rights
- Understand Your Rights to Paid Leave and Paid Sick Time Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Child Care for Essential Workers
Under Governor Evers’ Emergency Order on Thursday, March 18, the size of all child care settings are restricted so that they now may not operate with more than 10 staff present at a time and may not operate with more than 50 children present at a time. In addition, many child care centers have ceased operations. The priority for open childcare centers is that slots are given to employees, contractors, and other support staff working in health care. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families has information for parents who are essential employees in need of childcare:
- Department of Children and Families' Child Care Finder is a web-based platform where all new requests for child care from essential workers should be submitted
- The Department of Children and Families’ has a searchable map to help families with essential workers identify possible child care locations in their community
Health Insurance & Health Care
Newly unemployed workers may be in need of health insurance for themselves and their families. If so, Wisconsinites have 60 days to register for health insurance if they were recently unemployed and lost their health insurance coverage. Here are a few resources to secure health insurance and health care:
- An Employee’s Guide to Health Insurance Benefits Under COBRA
- See if you are Eligible for BadgerCare
- Healthcare.gov (Federal Marketplace for Health Insurance) FAQs
- List of Wisconsin's Federally Qualified Health Centers to Receive Affordable, Comprehensive Primary Care
- WI Dept. Health Services’ On-line Search Tool to Locate Mental Health, Residential Care (e.g., nursing homes), Home Health, and/or Non-Long Term Care (e.g., hospitals)
General assistance
Every day, hundreds of people across Wisconsin turn to 211 for information and support for a variety of needs, from food to housing to elder care and even addiction issues, among others. To contact 211, Wisconsinites can:
- Dial 211 from any phone
- Text your zipcode to 898211
- Chat with someone through the 211 website
Housing, Utility, and Food Assistance
When one worker becomes unemployed, it can be destabilizing for the entire household. These organization can help families secure food, maintain housing, and receive help with utilities.
- Apply for FoodShare Benefits
- The Emergency Food Assistance Program Contacts by County
- Apply for Emergency Assistance from the Department of Children and Families can provide a one-time payment to low-income families with at least one child in the house when the family is facing an eviction or when a utility non-payment threatens to turn off heat or electricity
- Apply for Energy and Telephone Assistance through Wisconsin’s Public Service Commission by County
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