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Getting up to speed on unemployment

JANESVILLE — Doug's worked steadily for the last 18 years.

He knows nothing about unemployment compensation, other than what he hears about more people filing for it.

But last Thursday, Doug's employer showed him and several other workers the door.

Doug needs to get up to speed on unemployment.

Doug is a hypothetical figure, yet he's representative of the thousands of local workers who have lost their jobs. The Janesville-Beloit area's 13 percent unemployment rate in February was tops in the state.

For some filing for unemployment, the process is routine. As manufacturing or seasonal employees, many are used to a changing economy. But for others such as Doug, this recession is their first exposure to the unemployment line.

The state Department of Workforce Development encourages dislocated workers to file a claim the first week they are unemployed. The department recommends online filing, but the telephone also is an option.

It's now Monday, so Doug should start the process. He'll need his Social Security number, his driver's license number and the names and contact information for his employers for the last 18 months. Early in the process, he'll establish a four-digit personal identification number.

After filing his new application, Doug will receive a claim confirmation handbook in the mail. He'll also learn whether he qualifies for benefits, and, if so, how much he'll receive.

Doug qualifies, so he should receive his first check within two weeks of applying.

His weekly benefits will equal 4 percent of the quarterly wages paid in a predetermined base period. The lowest weekly benefit is $54, while the highest is $363. Federal stimulus money, however, recently boosted that range by $25 a week. Doug's unemployment benefits are subject to state and federal taxes.

If they qualify, dislocated workers can receive benefits for up to 59 weeks.

Doug's not done yet. For each week he wants a benefit check, he must call or go online to file a claim for that week. And he must continue to look for a new job by contacting at least two prospective employers each week.