The Connecticut unemployment calculator is a helpful tool for unemployed individuals to determine the amount of money they may qualify for each week from Connecticut unemployment insurance.
Connecticut Unemployment Benefits Calculator
How are Connecticut unemployment benefits calculated?
Your weekly benefit rate is the maximum amount of unemployment insurance that you can receive each week as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Your weekly benefit amount is calculated by taking the average total gross income of the two highest earning quarters during your base period and dividing it by 26. The calculation is slightly different for construction workers, where the state will only use your highest quarter’s wages and divide it by 26.
The current state minimum benefit amount is $15, with a maximum benefit amount of $703. However, you can earn up to $778 if you have five dependents.
Connecticut offers a dependent allowance, which is $15 per dependent per week (up to 5 dependents) with a maximum dependency allowance of $75 per week.
$703 + $75 = $778
For example, if the average wages in your two highest earning quarters was $15,000, your weekly benefit amount would be $576. If you have two dependents, this amount would go up to $606.
Here are a few more examples:
Example Wage Calculations:
- If you make $400 per week in Connecticut, your estimated weekly benefit is $400 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $800 per week in Connecticut, your estimated weekly benefit is $778 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $1000 per week in Connecticut, your estimated weekly benefit is $778 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $1500 per week in Connecticut, your estimated weekly benefit is $778 for up to 26 weeks.
- If you make $2000 per week in Connecticut, your estimated weekly benefit is $778 for up to 26 weeks.
How many weeks do I get Connecticut unemployment benefits?
Unemployed workers are eligible for up to 26 weeks of unemployment compensation over the course of a one-year period.
What is a base period?
The base period is a 12-month period used to calculate your weekly benefit rate for unemployment insurance benefits. It consists of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
Your wages during this period determine the amount you can receive each week. If you don’t qualify in the regular base period, the alternate base period, which consists of the four most recent calendar quarters worked before filing a claim, may be used.
Are Extended Benefits available?
Currently, the state of Connecticut does not offer Extended Benefits. Extended Benefits are usually only provided when the unemployment rate reaches a certain level, though they can also be offered in special circumstances, such as after a natural disaster or during a pandemic.
Can I work part time and receive benefits?
Yes, it is possible to work part-time and still receive unemployment benefits in Connecticut. However, there are specific requirements and limitations regarding the amount of income you can earn while receiving benefits.
You must report your earnings from part-time work when filing your weekly claims. The Connecticut Department of Labor will then determine if your earnings affect your eligibility for benefits and the amount you receive. It is important to accurately report your earnings to avoid any potential penalties or issues with your benefits.
How do I get paid?
The Connecticut Department of Labor pays unemployment benefits in two ways. You can receive your benefits through a direct deposit into your bank account, or by using a prepaid debit card called the U.S. Bank ReliaCard.
When you file for unemployment insurance benefits, you will be given the option to choose either direct deposit or the ReliaCard for receiving your payments.
What if I filed my weekly claim but didn’t receive payment?
To check if a deposit is being processed, you can log in to your ReEmployCT account or call the consumer contact center.
For inquiries about a U.S. Bank debit card payment, you can log into your account at usbankreliacard.com or call U.S. Bank Cardholder Services at (855) 279-1271.
Are unemployment benefits taxable income?
Yes, unemployment benefits are considered taxable income by the federal and state governments in Connecticut. You may choose to have taxes withheld from your benefit payments or handle the tax liability on your own.
At the end of January each year, the Connecticut Department of Labor will provide you with an IRS Form 1099-G, which shows the amount of benefits you received and any taxes that were withheld.