Mark,

The federal government has expanded unemployment benefits to cover self-employed and gig workers.  Hope this is helpful! -- Becky

https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/index.htm

https://sso.ctdol.state.ct.us/English/CommonLogin/CommonLogin.aspx

Here are examples of pandemic unemployment benefits for self-employed workers.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program (PUA)

The federal and state governments have expanded sick leave and unemployment benefits, and have enacted legislation to help impacted independent workers, including self-employed individuals and independent contractors. The Coronavirus Aid, Response, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program.

• Be based on previous income, and will vary based on location and benefit guidelines.
• Include $600 a week in supplemental benefits for up to four months.
• Provide an additional 13 weeks of benefits to help those who are still unemployed after they run out of state benefits. The length of state benefits varies based on location, but the maximum is 26 weeks.

Self-Employment Assistance Program

The Self-Employment Assistance Program is a federal government endorsed program which offers unemployed or displaced workers in some states unemployment benefits when they are starting a business.

The Self-Employment Assistance program pays a displaced worker an allowance, instead of regular unemployment insurance benefits, to help keep them afloat while they are establishing a business and becoming self-employed.

Standard Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed Workers

Because employers contribute to a fund for unemployment benefits, their employees are eligible to receive benefits from the government, if they qualify after losing their job. If you are operating as self-employed you most likely didn't pay into your state's unemployment fund.

Other than in special circumstances, If you were paid as an independent contractor and receive a 1099 form, you were not considered an employee and would not be eligible for unemployment. That's because eligibility for unemployment is based upon being employed by an organization that was paying into the unemployment insurance fund.

When You're Already Collecting Unemployment

If you are collecting unemployment based on a job you had, working freelance can impact the benefits you are receiving. For example, in New York state, you need to report income when you do freelance work, do "favors" for another business, start a business, or are or become self-employed while you are collecting unemployment benefits. If you are doing other work, you may become disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits.

There are similar requirements in other states. In addition, in order to claim benefits, you need to be ready, willing, and available for work. Some states require that you keep and regularly turn in an employment log documenting your efforts to regain employment.

If you are receiving unemployment benefits, make sure that you know the guidelines regarding any work you engage in. Violating the requirements can result in a loss of benefits and also substantial fines if you are discovered.

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