What are the changes that are going to help with WI unemployment?”
More Wisconsin residents would qualify for unemployment benefits under a proposal designed to bring in $89.3 million from the federal stimulus package to the state. A measure moving quickly through the Democratic-controlled Legislature would allow workers to receive unemployment if they quit jobs because spouses relocate, to take care of ill relatives or if they fear domestic violence. Laid-off workers in certain job training programs would also qualify for 26 weeks of additional benefits. The changes are required for Wisconsin to qualify for $89.3 million in unemployment benefits in the national economic stimulus law, which requires states to update their unemployment programs to qualify for a share of $7 billion in aid. Supporters say the changes make benefits more effective in helping struggling workers in today’s economy. Critics, however, warn the expansion will be permanent after the federal money dries up and could eventually lead to tax increases on businesses to shore up the s
Essentially, employment insurance is just a way for you to insure your income in the future. While you are still working, you pay premiums – and usually these will not be too expensive. Then, if you lose your job in the future, you’ll be allowed to apply for extra unemployment benefits – essentially, you are insuring your income for the future. This is a good idea if you feel that you are in any risk of losing your job. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you will not be eligible to get the benefits of employment insurance if it is your fault that you have lost your job. However, if you lose your job due to lay-offs, or because there is not enough work, or if your employer goes out of business, then you are probably eligible. You also have to be without work for an entire week straight and that you have done enough work in the past year to be eligible. As far as how much money you will get from your claim, how much your premiums cost and how many hours you have to work in order
A measure moving quickly through the Democratic-controlled Legislature would allow workers to receive unemployment if they quit jobs because spouses relocate, to take care of ill relatives or if they fear domestic violence. Laid-off workers in certain job training programs would also qualify for 26 weeks of additional benefits. The changes are required for Wisconsin to qualify for $89.3 million in unemployment benefits in the national economic stimulus law, which requires states to update their unemployment programs to qualify for a share of $7 billion in aid. The changes should make Wisconsin’s unemployment program more family friendly and help long-term laid-off workers get skills that are marketable, according to Rick McHugh, a lawyer with the National Employment Law Project, an advocacy group for low-wage workers.
