Our priority is to keep our communities safe. That's why our WorkSmart Network staff are working to continue providing services to customers via phone or video conferencing. We'll update this page as information becomes available. This page was last updated on Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 8:50 a.m.
Updates
(7/15/22) - BadgerCare and Medicaid update: During the federal public health emergency, special rules allowed BadgerCare and Medicaid members to keep their health insurance, even if they had a change in their situation that would normally make them lose coverage. After the end of the public health emergency, every member will need to complete a renewal or new application to see if they still qualify - and find other insurance if they do not. But Covering Wisconsin is here to help. Check out these flyers or contact Covering Wisconsin for more information.
If you have questions about unemployment benefits and returning to work, visit the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's (DWD) FAQ page.
Avoid UI scams! DWD has information on scams targeting UI claimants and their current or former employers.
Our Services
We're continuing to support customers remotely in an effort to maintain social distancing. The WorkSmart Network team is still available to help with career coaching, resource referrals and services information. Our team can also help you connect with employers that are hiring now and post-coronavirus.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact a WorkSmart Network staff nearest you.
Healthcare Coverage
If you're looking for resources and information related to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our Healthcare Coverage Resources page.
Unemployment Insurance
DWD compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits and COVID-19. You can visit the webpage for more information or call 608-232-0824.
Find out which unemployment program is right for you.
NOTE: State law require those who are applying to UI benefits to look for suitable jobs and provide information about their work search activities for each week they request benefits.
The work search requirement is reinstated beginning Sunday, May 23, 2021, meaning UI recipients are required to look for work to qualify for their benefits. Read DWD's press release for more information and how to comply with these requirements.
2022 All WDA Unemployment Initial Weekly Claims
2022 All WDA Unemployment Continuing Weekly Claims
2022 WDA 10 Unemployment Initial Weekly Claims
2022 WDA 10 Unemployment Continuing Weekly Claims
See the weekly UI claims by workforce development area and county (Excel).
How to Apply for Wisconsin Unemployment Benefits Online
Job Center of Wisconsin: Job Seeker Registration
How to File a Weekly Claim Online for Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Benefits
How to Create a Username and Password for Wisconsin UI Online Benefits Services
WorkShare Program
UPDATE - WorkShare plans may extend longer than six months, up to 12 months, during a five-year period within the same work unit. More information can be found on DWD's press release.
DWD encourages Wisconsin employers to consider Wisconsin's updated WorkShare Program to avoid worker layoffs.
The WorkShare Program is designed to help both employers and employees. Instead of laying off workers, a qualified employer can plan to reduce work hours for at least two employees. Workers whose hours are reduced under an approved WorkShare plan receive unemployment benefits that are pro-rated for the partial work reduction.
More information can also be found in the press release.
South Central Wisconsin Job Centers
The South Central Wisconsin Job Centers (Dane County Job Center, Sauk County Job Center and the Workforce Development Center of Jefferson County) are expanding their available services to include walk-in customers.
NOTE:Â Please follow the mask and social distancing requirements at each facility. Not all agencies are providing walk-in services.
If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, please call the appropriate location below or visit the Job Center Directory for more contacts.
You can also access jobcenterofwisconsin.com to update resumes, search jobs, create a budget, review labor market information and more. For further career assistance, you can make an appointment via phone (also available in Hmong and Spanish).
Serving Dane County
Dane County Job Center
1819 Aberg Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Tel: 608-288-2459
or Wisconsin Relay at 7-1-1
Walk-In Resource Room & Job Search Services
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Serving Columbia, Marquette & Sauk Counties
Sauk County Job Center
505 Broadway Street, Suite 232
Baraboo, WI 53910
Tel: 608-355-4808
or Wisconsin Relay at 7-1-1
Walk-In Resource Room & Job Search Services
Monday - Tuesday, Thursday:
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and
12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Friday: Call for hours
Serving Dodge & Jefferson Counties
Workforce Development Center of Jefferson County
874 Collins Road
Jefferson, WI 53549
Tel: 920-675-4625
or Wisconsin Relay Services at 7-1-1
Walk-In Resource Room & Job Search Services
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Job Center of Wisconsin In-Demand Jobs
If you're newly or temporarily unemployed due to COVID-19 restrictions and are interested in earning additional income, visit Job Center of Wisconsin's In-Demand Jobs page to search essential jobs that are available, including registered nurses, pharmacists, laborers, light truck or delivery service drivers, and more.
Employers looking to connect with job seekers can post positions for free on jobcenterofwisconsin.com.
Read more about the site, essential jobs and how it may affect your Unemployment Insurance.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
DWD announced that all statewide Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offices are temporarily closed to the public in response to COVID-19. While in-person services are suspended until further notice, DVR staff will continue to provide services by phone and email during business hours. Information on DVR office locations and the phone numbers to reach staff from each office can be found on DVR's Office Locations page. Members of the public seeking disability employment resources or information on DVR services may visit the DVR website or contact the DVR Administrative Office at 800-442-3477.
Read DWD's statement.
Worker's Compensation
The Worker's Compensation Division has provided information related to their programs and the effects of COVID-19 (also available in Hmong and Spanish).
Equal Rights
DWD has information on equal rights during COVID-19 for employers and employees (also available in Hmong and Spanish).
Businesses
If you were impacted by COVID-19, are searching for workers or want to train your workforce, we can help. Contact us for more information.
Business Resources
Resources
We compiled a list of resources to help with bills, childcare, donation, education, food, health and more during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Organization | Description | Category | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| 211 | If you need assistance finding food, paying household bills, accessing childcare or other essential services, call 211 or use the search bar on the website to find local resources. | Food, Bills, Childcare, Other | Learn More |
| Feeding America | The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks secures and distributes 4.3 billion meals each year through food pantries and meal programs across the U.S. and leads the nation to engage in the fight against hunger. Find your local community food bank today. | Food | Learn More |
| Sauk County Meals for Kids | Updates on the summer meals for kids program in Sauk County. | Food | Learn More |
| Scholastic Learn From Home | Even when schools are closed, keep the learning going with these special cross-curricular journeys. Every day includes four separate learning experiences, each built around a thrilling, meaningful story or video. Kids can do them on their own, with their families or with their teachers. | Education | Learn More |
| Unemployment Insurance COVID-19 Public Information | Frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and Wisconsin unemployment benefits. | Other | Learn More |
| Madison Metropolitan School District COVID-19 Updates | Stay up-to-date on MMSD policies and practices during COVID-19. | Education | Learn More |
| United Way - Donate | Your generous contribution enables United Way to keep fighting for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the community. | Donate | Learn More |
| Feeding America - Donate | Every dollar you give helps provide at least 10 meals to families in need through the Feeding America network of food banks.
| Donate | Learn More |
| Madison College | Stay up-to-date on Madison College campus closures and search more resources. | Education, Other | Learn More |
| Moraine Park Technical College | Stay up-to-date on Moraine Park Technical College closures and available resources. | Education, Other | Learn More |
| South Central Library System | Stay up-to-date on South Central Library System closures and statuses. The SCLS also created a list of resources related to COVID-19 and community services. | Other | Learn More |
| CDC Resources for Businesses and Employers | The CDC has resources to help businesses and employers plan, prepare and respond to COVID-19. | Business | Learn More |
| Wisconsin Department of Health | The Wisconsin Department of Health has the latest updates on outbreaks in Wisconsin as well as more information about COVID-19. | Other | Learn More |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | The CDC has information about protecting yourself from coronavirus and what to do if you're sick as well as resources and case updates across the U.S. | Other | Learn More |
| Wisconsin Technical College System - Technical College Updates | The Wisconsin Technical College System gathered links to each of the Wisconsin technical colleges webpages with COVID-19 updates. | Education | Learn More |
| Wisconsin Technical College System - Office Updates | Stay up-to-date on the Wisconsin Technical College System during COVID-19. | Education | Learn More |
| Small Business 20/20 Program | The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation created the Small Business 20/20 Program to support small businesses and micro-enterprises that were adversely economically impacted by COVID-19. | Business | Learn More |
| Small Business Administration | The SBA helps small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed with resources, including resources for those affected by COVID-19. | Business | Learn More |
| Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce | The Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC) and Wisconsin Safety Council have resources for businesses, such as a webinar with critical business updates related to COVID-19 including HR policies, employment law, Congressional action relating to the pandemic and economic updates. | Business | Learn More |
| ACCESS Wisconsin | ACCESS Wisconsin can connect you to Emergency FoodShare, BadgerCare, W2 and childcare assistance. | Food, Health, Childcare | Learn More |
| Suicide Prevention Lifeline | The Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255. | Health | Learn More |
| National Domestic Violence Hotline | For victims or survivors who need support, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7. Call 1-800-799-7233. | Health | Learn More |
| U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Read the VA’s response to COVID-19 as well as updated guidelines for visiting VA facilities. | Health, Other | Learn More |
| Unemployment Insurance | DWD provides information on Unemployment Insurance. | Other | Learn More |
| Facebook Small Business Grants Program | Facebook is providing grants and ad credits to businesses experiencing disruptions from COVID-19. | Business | Learn More |
| USBG National Charity Foundation | The USBG Foundation strives to be a resource for the bar industry community. They have grants, donation information, volunteer information and more. | Business | Learn More |
| National Recreation and Park Association | The National Recreation and Park Association released a statement in support of the safe use of parks and open spaces during COVID-19. | Health | Learn More |
| Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance | The SBA has information on its disaster assistance for small businesses economically impacted by COVID-19. | Business | Learn More |
| Small Business Administration: Disaster Loan Assistance | Find information on how to apply for the SBA's Disaster Loan Assistance. | Business | Learn More |
| Department of Children and Families Childcare Resources | The Department of Children and Families compiled resources to help essential workers, providers and families navigate the childcare landscape during COVID-19. | Childcare | Learn More |
| CDC Symptom Information | The CDC has downloadable flyers in Chinese, English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese related to the symptoms of COVID-19 and stopping the spread of the virus. | Health | Learn More |
| Youth Engaged for Change | This PDF has information for young adults on COVID-19 payments coming from the government, qualifications and what to do if you don't get it automatically. | Other | Learn More |
| Pop-Up Mobile Food Pantries - Madison Metropolitan School District | There are a number of pop-up mobile food pantries available for MMSD families and the entire community. Click the button for locations and dates. | Food | Learn More |
| Project Recovery | Project Recovery is a program to help people in Wisconsin who are impacted by COVID-19. Trained Project Recovery counselors provide free, confidential, local support and education to help cope with this stressful time. Supported by the Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc. (CACSCW). | Health, Other | Learn More |
| Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin, Inc. | CACSCW works to build on the strengths, assets and capacities of low-income people and communities by focusing on housing, food and clothing needs. | Community | Learn More |
| MGE Deferred Payment Agreement | Have you fallen behind on your MGE bills and can't pay in full by the due date? Sign up for a personalized payment arrangement (Deferred Payment Agreement) to avoid collection action, late payment fees or disconnection of service. Learn more online. | Bills | Learn More |
| MGE Emergency Resources | MGE is committed to working with customers experiencing economic hardship. They compiled resources to help you in emergency situations. | Bills, Other | Learn More |