The University of Wisconsin-Extension has gathered a group of excellent resources for financial issues caused by COVID-19, including information about unemployment benefits, public assistance, loan deferments, utility payments, and much more. Click here for the UW-Extension Financial Resources list.
Apply for Unemployment online at dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/apply/ and download the Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Handbook for Claimants. The State of Wisconsin also has a page of Unemployment COVID-19 Public Information.
People who are self-employed, independent contractors, or otherwise not usually eligible for unemployment benefits may now be able to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). PUA is a new temporary federal program that provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance. Get more information or apply online at dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/pua/.
As of March 21, 2020, the IRS has extended the filing and payment deadlines for personal and business taxes. “The filing deadline for tax returns has been extended from April 15 to July 15, 2020. The IRS urges taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as quickly as possible. For those who can’t file by the July 15, 2020 deadline, the IRS reminds individual taxpayers that everyone is eligible to request an extension to file their return.” More information on the IRS website: www.irs.gov/newsroom/payment-deadline-extended-to-july-15-2020
The Federal Government has started issuing Economic Impact Payments to taxpayers. Check out their website to see if you are eligible to receive a payment, check on the status of your payment, or provide your bank account information to the IRS to receive your payment through automatic deposit. https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
WXPR reports that there are an increasing number of legal issues that residents face due to COVID-19, including cases related to unemployment benefits, child custody, tenant rights, workplace safety, and much more. There is free legal help available for those who qualify through the American Bar Association’s FREE LEGAL ANSWERS service.
Last updated April 21, 2020