Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

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Thursday, December 3, 1998 Governor Tommy G. Thompson Secretary Linda Stewart

News Media Contact DWD News Office 608/267-4400 e-mail: news@dwd.state.wi.us fax: 608/266-1784

For more information contact:
John Whalen, 608/267-5058 or <whalej3@dwd.state.wi.us>

More ex-military eligible for jobless benefits

Madison, Wis. -- Up to an estimated 100 former military service personnel in Wisconsin may be eligible for unemployment benefits as a result of the federal government’s broadening of eligibility criteria.

An official of the State Workforce Development Department said the changed federal interpretation is effective for all initial claims for jobless benefits filed on or after Nov. 10, or for benefits paid after that date on claims previously-denied under the old policy.

Maureen Hlavacek, state Unemployment Insurance Division administrator, said her agency acts as the agent in Wisconsin for the U.S. Labor Department for these claims. The federal government wholly finances jobless benefits paid to those formerly in military service; Wisconsin employers are not assessed.

Claimants now are eligible if they served at least 365 days on continuous active duty but less than a full first term and were honorably discharged for any of 20 specific reasons, she said.

Those reasons include being a conscientious objector, having weight problems or not meeting other physical standards, or having been denied temporary or permanent promotion. Other reasons include failure to complete a course of instruction, unsatisfactory or substandard performance, alcohol or drug rehabilitation failure, or homosexual declaration or acts.

Hlavacek said those who either had their claims denied or failed to file for those reasons may wish to file new claims to allow for a review using the expanded criteria.

Applications can be filed from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday by calling the state agency at its toll-free number, 1-800-822-5246. In the Madison area, call 608/232-0678 instead. In the Milwaukee area, call 414/438-7700. Those with hearing problems may use a special TTY toll-free number, 1-888-393-8914.

For an e-mail version of this news release, send your e-mail request and address to: news@dwd.state.wi.us

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