Outdated or Unsupported Browser Detected
DWD's website uses the latest technology. This makes our site faster and easier to use across all devices. Unfortunatley, your browser is out of date and is not supported. An update is not required, but it is strongly recommended to improve your browsing experience. To update Internet Explorer to Microsoft Edge visit their website.
Employers are required by law to correctly classify each worker as either an "employee" or "independent contractor" for purposes of the employer's obligations under the law for unemployment insurance.
The unemployment insurance law uses a definition of "employee" (with exceptions) to separate those individuals (workers) who will bear the risk of their own unemployment (independent contractors) from those whose risk of unemployment will rest with the employing unit (employees).
A worker who "performs services for pay" is an employee unless the employer satisfies the criteria in the statute to classify the worker as an exception. We sometimes call the exception an "independent contractor."
It is important that you carefully read the definition of "employee" and the exceptions in the unemployment law: Wis. Stat. § 108.02(12).
If you are an employer or a worker and want to determine how to properly classify a worker as either an employee or an independent contractor for unemployment insurance continue to the worker classification test to begin the process:
Note: When employed services were prior to January 1, 2011, tests for the old law will be used instead.
DWD Contact Information
201 E. Washington Ave
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-3131
Sign up for DWD news and updates
A proud partner of the 
network