If your finances are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, here are housing, legal and job search resources
Nusaiba MizanWisconsin is seeing thousands more people unemployed or with reduced work hours this spring as a result of changed business operations.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development received nearly 116,000 new applications for unemployment benefits in one week alone, from March 22 through March 28.
In response, USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin prepared this list as a free service for residents who are filing for unemployment payments or who have fewer hours available at work. The list includes job search, housing and legal resources.
Please let us know how COVID-19 is affecting you and your family so that the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin can better serve you.
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State pleads with people to go online to apply for jobless benefits
The USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin previously published this step-by-step guide on how to apply for unemployment insurance.
You can apply for unemployment insurance at dwd.wisconsin.gov/uiben/apply.
The Department of Workforce Development recommends people who can apply for unemployment insurance online do so. That way phone lines can be open for people who have been instructed to call the state agency or those who do not have access to a computer or internet.
In the week of March 22, the state's Unemployment Insurance Division received more than 1.5 million calls — at rates as fast as 160 calls a second. The state added staff to its call center but is struggling to keep up.
More:How to apply for unemployment in Wisconsin if you get laid off because of coronavirus
For those who cannot apply online, DWD phone numbers for job assistance include:
Fox Valley: 920-997-3272
Calumet, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago counties
Northeast: 920-448-6760
Brown, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano and Sheboygan counties
North Central: 715-261-8700
Adams, Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, Portage, Vilas and Wood counties
Temporary jobs open up, and government checks on the way
The USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin has a developing list of employers hiring at this time online.
RELATED:Even as many businesses close to curb the spread of coronavirus, some are in need of more workers
The Fox Valley Workforce Development Board is collecting a list of temporary roles available for hiring from all of its member businesses. The list is under development. To learn more, visit the board's website or call 920-720-5600.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce's job center has a list of in-demand jobs and associated job opportunities. It is available at http://wisconsinjobcenter.org/lookforjobs/in-demand.htm.
The federal Department of Labor additionally has an explanation of employees' paid leave rights.
The federal stimulus package allows the government to issue direct checks of $1,200 to individuals who make less than $75,000, or checks of $2,400 to couples with a joint income of less than $150,000 as indicated in their tax filings. There's an extra $500 in the check for each child in the household.
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Rent is still due, but state bans evictions
Gov. Tony Evers issued a ban on evictions and foreclosures on March 27 for 60 days. You can find the executive order online.
NeighborWorks, a Green Bay nonprofit, released a list of resources online for tenant help related to evictions, advocacy/legal rights, reporting unhealthy and unsafe conditions, and finding a place to live.
Sister Melanie Maczka, the founder of Casa ALBA Melanie, another Green Bay nonprofit, said Casa ALBA staff is telling people who are struggling with rent to pay what they can in good faith this April 1 even with the eviction ban in place. That demonstrates to the landlord you are trying to pay rent despite difficulties and that you need to stay in place through and after the ban. It also prevents an entire 60 days of back rent from accumulating.
Banks, other lenders may offer breaks
Financial counselor Becky Smith at Financial Information & Service Center, or FISC, in Menasha recommended people call their financial institutions and lenders to discuss their situations. There may be options for case-by-case accommodation and payment plans.
Officials at several banks including Nicolet, Wells Fargo and Associated Bank said they will handle individual questions and situations on a case-by-case basis. Wells Fargo has halted foreclosure sales and evictions and has donated money to address food, housing and other basic needs.
Associated has changed its policy so a consumer- and mortgage-loan payment can be deferred up to 90 days with no credit impact, halted its foreclosure activities for 60 days and provides consumer credit payment relief. Associated's Loan Servicing team can be contacted at 866-504-2774.
If you have financial counseling questions, you may call 800-366-8161 for FISC or visit FISC's website.
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Insurers: Contact us, we'll see what we can do
All of the following national companies recommend calling or visiting their website to discuss payment options on a case-by-case basis: GEICO, Nationwide, Allstate (request a special payment plan with your agent), Progressive, Farmers Insurance (1-888-327-6335), and AAA Wisconsin.
GEICO has paused canceling coverage because of non-payment and policy expiration. The pause applies through April 30.
Wisconsin lawyers volunteer on legal hotline
The State Bar of Wisconsin has a website called Wisconsin Free Legal Answers where 250 volunteer lawyers answer questions regarding civil legal questions.
Lawyers can answer questions regarding workplace safety, unforeseen medical bills and consumer debt, unemployment benefits, powers of attorney, real estate sales, foreclosures, as well as landlord-tenant issues.
Clients will have to go through an online screening process to establish financial eligibility and agree to the site's limited assistance. Clients will get an email when an attorney responds to their question.
There is also the Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 800-362-9082 to help people determine whether they need a lawyer and provide referrals to attorneys and resources. This service is online. Attorneys referred through the service will charge $20 at most for the first consultation, which can last up to 30 minutes.
If you own or manage a small business
The USA TODAY NETWORK- Wisconsin has a list of resources for small businesses affected by the pandemic. The Greater Green Bay Chamber also has a list of resources for businesses.
Please check with your local chamber of commerce for city and county specific business assistance resources.
We also have a list of commonly asked questions to the state regarding small businesses.
Call 211 to find out more about local resources
United Way 2-1-1 lists community resources. Please visit United Way 2-1-1 website, call 877-947-2211 or text 898211 to inquire further.
Contact Nusaiba Mizan at (920)-431-8310 or nmizan@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @nusaiblah.