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  2. Press Releases
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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

DWD Looks to Create New Administrative Rule Waiving Unemployment Waiting Period

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has taken the first step toward creating an emergency rule that would allow the agency to waive the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits. The previous waiver created under 2019 Wisconsin Act 185 expired on February 6.

Earlier this week, DWD published a scope statement in the Legislature’s administrative register. If and when the scope statement is approved, DWD can begin drafting the rule. The earliest a new rule could take effect is March 5 at best.

The emergency rule is intended as a temporary measure to bridge the need for a waiting week waiver during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rule will offer relief to claimants who currently have to wait a week to begin receiving unemployment benefits, and to employers by ensuring that 50 percent of that first week's benefit payments are federally funded.

For up to date information on current and proposed DWD emergency and administrative rules, visit the DWD Administrative Rules page.