Wisconsin takes unemployment filing to the Web

Wisconsin’s Workforce Development Department has begun accepting initial unemployment claim applications on a Web site, , which links to the state portal at .“Wisconsin is one of the first states to completely automate Internet application for routine unemployment claims,” enabling many people to file without staff assistance, Gov. Scott McCallum said in a statement. The state expects about one-fifth of initial unemployment claims to come via the Web.The online system will be easier than the department’s telephone claim filing system for those with hearing or speech impediments, said Jennifer Reinert, secretary of workforce development.The system is online weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and during limited weekend hours. Claims submitted with errors or special circumstances will require processing by a staff specialist.The site uses Secure Sockets Layer encryption to protect data. Claimants must provide their Social Security numbers, enable JavaScript on their PCs and let the department’s system send temporary cookies during claim-filing sessions.