Unemployment After Being Fired in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has two levels of disqualification. If you are fired for misconduct, the wages from that employer cannot be used to qualify. You are also ineligible for seven weeks from the date you were fired and until you earn 14 times your weekly benefit rate. Misconduct includes willful or wanton disregard of the employer's interests, violating a written alcohol or drug policy, theft, harassment or violence, excessive absenteeism or tardiness, and falsifying records. If you are fired for substantial fault, meaning acts within your control that violate reasonable employer requirements, you are ineligible for seven weeks and until you earn 14 times your weekly benefit rate. Minor rule violations not repeated after a warning, honest mistakes, and lacking the skill or equipment to do the job are not substantial fault.

Each determination has its own appeal deadline. Your appeal must be received or postmarked by the last appeal date shown on the front of the determination. File online in the Claimant Portal, or by mail or fax. An administrative law judge holds a hearing. You can then petition the Labor and Industry Review Commission (LIRC) within 21 days of the date the decision is mailed. A late appeal needs good cause, generally a reason beyond your control.