Wisconsin Senate Bill SB507

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/2/25
• Refer: 10/2/25
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to repeal 108.04 (2) (h) and 108.04 (12) (f) of the statutes; Relating to: allowing Social Security Disability Insurance recipients to receive concurrent unemployment insurance benefits. (FE)

Summary

SB507 would change Wisconsin unemployment law to allow a person who is otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance to receive those benefits even if they are also receiving federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments. Under current law, receipt of SSDI makes a claimant ineligible for unemployment benefits for the same week or month; the bill repeals the statutory provisions that create that prohibition. The bill is narrowly focused on two sections of the unemployment insurance statutes, repealing the language that bars concurrent receipt of SSDI and unemployment compensation. It also specifies that the change would apply to weeks of unemployment beginning on the first Sunday after publication, meaning the new rule would take effect immediately for future claims once the act is published.

Impact

SB507 would amend Wisconsin Statutes section 108.04 by repealing subsections 108.04 (2) (h) and 108.04 (12) (f), removing the state-law prohibition on receiving unemployment insurance while also receiving SSDI. The practical effect would be to expand eligibility for unemployment benefits for certain disabled workers who remain attached to the labor market and meet all other unemployment requirements. The bill would affect claimants, the Department of Workforce Development, and the administration of unemployment insurance benefits, and it could have fiscal implications for the unemployment insurance system.

Sentiment

The available context shows the bill was introduced with multiple bipartisan-looking cosponsors and was framed as a benefits-expansion measure for disabled workers, suggesting generally supportive intent among its authors. However, there are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, and the bill ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1. Based on the introduction and sponsorship, the bill appears to have had support from its sponsors, but the final outcome indicates it did not secure enough legislative backing to become law.

Contention

The main policy issue is whether Wisconsin should permit concurrent receipt of SSDI and unemployment insurance. Supporters likely view the bill as a fairness and income-support measure for workers with disabilities who are still seeking work and otherwise qualify for unemployment benefits. Potential opponents may have been concerned about duplication of benefits, program costs, or whether receiving SSDI is inconsistent with claiming availability for work under unemployment rules. Because no hearing transcript is provided, the specific arguments and the identities of any opponents are not available, but the repeal of the existing ineligibility rule is the central point of contention.