Wisconsin. Unemployment Compensation Division

Wisconsin enacted its pioneer unemployment compensation law in January 1932 under Chapter 108 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Contributions have been paid by covered employers since July 1934, and unemployment benefits have been paid to eligible workers since August 1936. It was first established as the Unemployment Compensation Department (WIHV85-A908) of the Industrial Commission (WIHV85-A2180). With the reorganization of state agencies in 1967, the Industrial Commission became the Dept. of Industry, Labor and Human Relations (WIHV85-A482), and the functions were placed within the Unemployment Compensation Division of this new agency.

Between 1973 and 1984, unemployment was administered by DILHR's Employment Security Division (1973-1975) (WIHV85-A998) and Job Service Division (1975-1984) (WIHV85-A911). In 1984, the Unemployment Compensation Division was re-established. Under 1995 Wisconsin Act 27, the division was transferred to the newly created Dept. of Workforce Development (WIHV96-A859) effective July 1, 1996. The above form of the name is used in Wisconsin State Archives' database entries for all appropriate records dating 1967-present.

The division administers programs to collect employer taxes, pay benefits to unemployed workers, and resolve contested benefit claims and employer tax issues.