
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.
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: 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.