Unemployment Benefits Estimator — Wisconsin

Unemployment Benefits Estimator in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's weekly rate is 4% of wages paid in your highest base-period quarter: $1,350 in that quarter produces the $54 minimum and $9,250 or more produces the $370 maximum. Two qualifying tests apply — total base-period wages of at least 35 times your weekly rate, and wages outside the high quarter of at least 4 times it. The maximum benefit is the lesser of 26 weekly payments or 40% of total base-period wages, a more generous fraction than the one-third test common elsewhere, though the practical range still runs 14 to 26 weeks. One unpaid waiting week applies. Wisconsin SNAP uses broad-based categorical eligibility at 200% FPL. Apply at https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/

Unemployment Benefits in Wisconsin: Weekly Amounts and How Long They Last

Wisconsin pays a weekly unemployment benefit of between $54 and $370. Those are the statutory floor and ceiling, not an estimate of what you personally would receive: your weekly benefit amount is calculated from the wages in your base period, and the maximum is reached only if those wages were high enough. Wisconsin computes it this way — Weekly benefit rate is 4% of wages paid in the highest quarter of the base period. High-quarter earnings of $1,350 produce the $54 minimum; $9,250 or more produces the $370 maximum. Total base-period wages must be at least 35 times the weekly benefit rate and wages outside the high quarter at least 4 times the rate.

• Weekly benefit range: $54 to $370
• Weeks payable: up to 26 weeks; the payable range runs 14 to 26 weeks, because lower base-period earnings exhaust a claim sooner
• Waiting week: yes — the first otherwise-payable week is unpaid, and you generally still have to file a weekly claim for it
• In effect since: January 1, 2026

How Wisconsin decides how many weeks you get: Maximum benefit amount is the lesser of 26 times the weekly benefit rate or 40% of total base-period wages, so duration varies with earnings. USDOL reports the practical range as 14-26 weeks.

Source and date: these Wisconsin figures were verified on August 2, 2026 against Wisconsin DWD, Unemployment Insurance Employers Handbook, Part 3 Section 1 - Benefits; and DWD Qualifying Wages page, and are the amounts that agency shows as in effect since January 1, 2026. Benefit amounts and durations change — many states re-index once a year, and some change duration as the state unemployment rate moves — so check the agency link before relying on a figure. Only your monetary determination letter states your own weekly benefit amount and the number of weeks you can actually be paid.

SNAP Benefits in Wisconsin

Wisconsin uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), with a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of 4 in Wisconsin is $975. You can apply online at https://dhs.wisconsin.gov or by calling 211.

Medicaid in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has not expanded Medicaid (State Medicaid). This state has not expanded Medicaid Apply at https://forwardhealth.wi.gov.

Wisconsin Wage Information

The minimum wage in Wisconsin is $7.25/hour ($2.13/hour for tipped workers). The median household income is $70,996. Wisconsin has a state income tax with a top rate of 7.65%.

Tenant Rights in Wisconsin

Wisconsin requires landlords to give 5 days notice for nonpayment of rent before filing for eviction. The typical eviction process takes approximately 30 days. Free legal aid is available at https://wilawlibrary.gov/topics/assist.php.

Rent in Wisconsin

The median rent in Wisconsin is approximately $1,010/month for a 1-bedroom and $1,062/month for a 2-bedroom apartment. Wisconsin does not have rent control.

Important Notes for Wisconsin Residents

The data shown above is based on publicly available information and is updated regularly. Benefit amounts, eligibility rules, and legal requirements can change. Always verify current information with your local Wisconsin agencies before making important decisions. This calculator provides estimates — not guaranteed outcomes.