Layoff
All workers have access to no cost services through Wisconsin Job Center locations and online through Job Center of Wisconsin. These services include:
- Unemployment Insurance
- Job Search Assistance
- Career planning assistance
- Resume Assistance
- Job Training
Dislocated Worker programs may provide assistance to qualified individuals facing these situations:
Support services
- Wisconsin Works (W-2)
- Food and nutrition programs
- BadgerCare+
- Trade Assistance Programs
- Special services for Veterans and adults with disabilities.
Training and education
Training services, like those listed below, may be available to help you get a good job. The Wisconsin Job Center staff have information on training, educational, and financial aid programs available in their area.
- Occupational Skills Training
- On-the-Job Training
- Skills Improvement
- GED Preparation
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Math and Reading Training
Health and pension benefits
You may be entitled to certain pension protections and health benefits even if you lose your job. If your company provided a group health insurance plan, you may be able to continue health benefits for a period of time.
With a change in employment, you should understand how your pension benefits are affected. Knowing your rights can help you protect yourself and your family until you are working full time again. The U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration provides information on Pension and Health Care Coverage for Dislocated Workers.
Additional assistance with pension issues may be available from the Upper Midwest Pension Rights Project. UMPRP offers free legal assistance in the form of pension counseling, pension claims assistance, and advocacy for pension participants. UMPRP attorneys can assist retirees and their families with various pension benefits related problems such as locating a pension plan, applying for benefits, correcting benefit miscalculations, and appealing benefit denials.
See the Health page on this website for more information on BadgerCare+ and Medicaid health care options for the unemployed.
Personal finances
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions offers a list of Adjustment Service Companies in Wisconsin to find a Licensed Consumer Credit Counselor.
Adjusting to Unemployment is one in a series of Wisconsin Job Center Publications aimed at helping the job seeker.
See also:
- "The Learning Store" at UW Extension offers several publications on the topic of personal finances for the home and family.
- Financial planning at five stages of life from Bankrate.com.