2026 · Wisconsin
Wisconsin unemployment benefits
Wisconsin pays up to $370 a week for up to 26 weeks, a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#40 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Wisconsin's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $54 - $370 |
| Maximum duration | 26 weeks (14-26 (lesser of 40% BPW or 26xWBR)) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | high quarter |
| Taxed by Wisconsin? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Wisconsin
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $370 a week that hits Wisconsin's maximum. Over 26 weeks that's up to $9,620 in total. Wisconsin has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Wisconsin against its neighbors
Across the border in Minnesota, the weekly cap is $948, $578 a week more than Wisconsin's $370. That gap doesn't mean you can shop for a better rate: benefits come from the state where your wages were reported, not where you live now.
Worked in a bordering state? Its rules apply instead: Iowa , Illinois , Michigan , Minnesota .
Questions about Wisconsin unemployment
How much does Wisconsin pay in unemployment?
Between $54 and $370 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (high quarter). The $370 maximum is a middle-of-the-pack maximum (#40 of 51).
How long does Wisconsin unemployment last?
Up to 26 weeks14-26 (lesser of 40% BPW or 26xWBR). At the $370 weekly maximum that caps total potential benefits at $9,620. The duration and the weekly amount are set separately, Wisconsin sizes the check off high quarter but counts weeks on its own rules, so low earners may qualify for fewer weeks, and two people with the same weekly benefit can exhaust at different times.
Is Wisconsin unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Wisconsin also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Wisconsin unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Wisconsin's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development before you file, since it is a real-money decision. Confirm the timing with Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development before you file rather than after, a difference of one week in when the claim starts can change whether a severance payment offsets the benefit. The tax side of the severance itself is on the Wisconsin severance page.
File with Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. This is an estimate, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development determines your actual benefit.
Your Wisconsin layoff toolkit
- Wisconsin severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Wisconsin paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Wisconsin 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Wisconsin's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.