Connecticut Unemployment Benefits

Connecticut unemployment benefits are an important support system for workers who become unemployed through no fault of their own. These benefits are managed by the Connecticut Department of Labor, and offer temporary financial assistance to workers as they look for new employment.

There are specific requirements you must meet to qualify for these benefits, and the amount of money you are eligible for depends on how much you earned in your previous jobs.

Connecticut UI Benefits Calculator

The Connecticut Unemployment Benefits Calculator helps you estimate your UI weekly benefits amount.

Connecticut Unemployment Calculator

Eligibility for UI benefits in Connecticut

To qualify for Connecticut UI benefits, you must meet the state’s eligibility requirements. This means:

• Earning enough income during your base period
• Being either completely or partially unemployed
• Having an acceptable separation from your previous job
• Being physically and mentally capable of working
• Actively searching for employment
• Filing a claim for benefits every week
• Providing any requested documentation, such as proof of your job search efforts, and participating in assessment interviews, orientations, or reemployment services.
• Registering with CTHires employment services system

Monetary eligibility

Connecticut law states that a worker must have earned at least 40 times their weekly benefit amount during their base period in order to be eligible for benefits. This means that if someone is eligible for $350 per week, they must have earned a minimum of $14,000 during their base period.

Your base period is used to calculate how much money you’ll receive each week for unemployment benefits. The amount of money you earned during this period determines the weekly benefit amount you’ll receive.

The base period consists of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. If you don’t meet the requirements during the regular base period, there is an alternate base period option. This alternate base period includes the four calendar quarters right before you filed your initial claim for benefits.

Find out more about eligibility requirements

Job Separation

The reason you’re no longer working plays a role in determining whether you’re eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.

You may qualify for benefits if:

• Your employer laid you off or reduced your working hours because there wasn’t enough work available.
• You left your previous job for a valid reason directly related to the job, such as unsafe working conditions.
• You’re currently unemployed because you or your child experienced domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

You may not qualify for benefits if:

• You voluntarily left your job for personal reasons that weren’t related to work.
• You were fired from your job due to willful misconduct.
• You’re not legally authorized to work in the United States.
• You’re self-employed and work full-time for yourself.
• You’re currently receiving complete workers’ compensation due to an injury that occurred while working.

You work in education or are a professional athlete, and there is a reasonable expectation you will return to work.

Eligibility Calculator

Maintaining Eligibility

There are three tasks you need to complete each week to stay eligible to continue receiving benefits.

1. Search for work
2. Complete a weekly claim certification
3. Report earnings

If you fail to search for work or report your earnings, it can make you ineligible for future benefits. Additionally, if you don’t complete the weekly claim certification, you won’t receive payment for that particular week.

Learn about CT job search requirements

How To Apply For UI Benefits In Connecticut

The following documents are required to apply for benefits in the state of Connecticut:

The simplest way to apply for unemployment benefits in Connecticut is through the ReEmployCT portal. You can create an account by clicking the “Create an Account” button and following the prompts on the screen.

The state has recently transitioned to a new unemployment system, so even if you’ve applied for unemployment assistance in the past, you will more than likely need to create a new account.

When applying for benefits, you will need to provide:

• Your Social Security number
• Identification documents
• 18 months of employment history
• Alien registration number (if applicable)
• Separation forms if you worked for the military or federal government

How to file weekly claims

You can also file your weekly claims using the ReEmployCT system. Simply visit the ReEmployCT portal and enter the username and password you created when you first filed. Then, click the “Weekly Certification” button.

You will be asked to certify your ongoing eligibility and report on your work search activities.

Learn how to claim weekly benefits

Things To Know After Filing An Application

Once you’ve completed the process of applying for unemployment benefits, it’s essential to stay well-organized and meet all the requirements of the program in order to continue being eligible. Neglecting to follow these regulations may result in being disqualified from receiving unemployment insurance.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Unemployment fraud

If you receive unemployment benefits in Connecticut, you must fulfill the requirements set by the state employment law to remain eligible. When you apply for these benefits, you are required to be truthful and provide accurate details about your salary and employment background. Engaging in dishonesty or providing false information to obtain or increase your benefit amount is considered unemployment fraud.

Overpayments

When you receive more benefits than you’re eligible for, it is called an overpayment. This can happen if you make a mistake on your application or if the department makes an error in calculating your benefits. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need to pay back the extra amount you received to the state.

Extended Benefits

Extended Benefits are typically offered when the unemployment rate reaches a certain threshold. The programs provide additional support to those who have exhausted their regular benefits.

There are currently no Extended Benefits programs available in Connecticut. UI claimants are eligible for up to 26 weeks of regular benefits.

Job training assistance

The CT Department of Labor provides many different programs and services to help unemployed workers find new jobs.

Some of these services include:

• CareerConneCT
• CTHires
• JobCorps
• Office of the Unemployed Workers’ Advocate
• Shared Work Program
• Veteran Services
• And more

Find CT job training opportunities

Connecticut unemployment contact information

If you require assistance or have any questions about filing for unemployment in Connecticut, you can reach out to the consumer contact center.

For information on job seeker programs or counseling to help you find a new job, contact your nearest American Job Center.

Common Questions

Can I file for unemployment benefits if I am sick or on vacation?

If you’re too sick to work or taking time off for a vacation, you might not meet the requirements to apply for unemployment benefits. Generally, to be eligible for these benefits, you need to be physically able and ready to work. Being unable to work due to illness or being on vacation can impact your eligibility to receive benefits.

Do I have to pay federal taxes on my unemployment benefits?

Yes, the unemployment compensation you receive will be fully taxed by the Internal Revenue Service and the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services.

You have the option to have taxes automatically withheld for federal and Connecticut income taxes. The IRS will automatically withhold 10% of your weekly benefit payment for federal taxes, while Connecticut law mandates a state withholding rate of 3%.

What is the maximum benefit amount I can receive?

In Connecticut, the highest amount you can receive in unemployment benefits is $703 per week. However, the state does offer a dependence allowance of $15 per dependent per week, up to a maximum of $75. If you have five dependents, this can adjust the maximum benefit to $778.

How do I end my unemployment claim after I get a full-time job?

Once you secure a full-time job, there is no need to inform the CT Department of Labor that you have found employment. Instead, you should stop submitting weekly claims when you start your new job, even if you won’t receive payment for a week or more. If you begin your new job during the week, be sure to report your earnings on your weekly claim.

Can I file for unemployment benefits in another state while living in Connecticut?

According to federal law, you are not allowed to apply for benefits in more than one state. However, if you have earned wages in other states, you can file a combined wage claim. This may increase the amount of money you receive every week, making sure you get the full amount you are eligible to receive.