Information On Unemployment Benefits

March 21, 2020

How do I apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits or get more information about the process and requirements?

Do I need any paperwork from my employer before I can file for unemployment benefits?

  • Do not delay filing your claim for unemployment benefits even if your employer has not issued you any paperwork. It is important to file as soon as you become unemployed to avoid being denied benefits.
  • For faster processing of your claim, please have your employer’s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.

How can I contact the Department of Labor for questions related to my claim?

  • You should first visit our Online Assistance Center at www.filectui.com
  • We also offer Live Chat on www.filectui.com for questions concerning unemployment compensation, including the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on the program.
  • You may also submit your general question to dol.webhelp@ct.gov. A response can be expected in 3 to 5 business days, depending on volume.

If I need to take time off from work because I come down with COVID-19 and have no paid time off through my employer, can I collect unemployment benefits? If I get terminated from my job because I come down with COVID-19 can I collect unemployment benefits?

  • You may file for unemployment benefits and a determination will be made concerning your eligibility. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. However, please note that an individual must be physically able and available for full time work in order to qualify for unemployment benefits.
  • For faster processing of your claim, please have your employer’s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.
  • Your employer should provide you with an Unemployment Separation Package, found here, but do not delay filing if you do not have it.

My employer is requiring that I self-quarantine for 14 days even though I am not sick, and I am not getting paid. Can I collect unemployment benefits? My employer closed its doors and is requiring all employees to stay home for 14 days. My employer does not offer teleworking, and we are not getting paid. Can I collect unemployment benefits?

  • You may file for unemployment benefits and a determination will be made concerning your eligibility. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • For faster processing of your claim, please have your employer’s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.
  • Your employer should provide you with an Unemployment Separation Package, found here, but do not delay filing if you do not have it.

I am unable to work because of a family member’s illness. Can I collect unemployment benefits?

  • If you are unable to work, you are most likely ineligible for UI until you are able to work. However, you may file for unemployment benefits and a determination will be made concerning your eligibility. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
  • For faster processing of your claim, please have your employer’s registration number and a return to work date readily available when you file your claim online.
  • Your employer should provide you with an Unemployment Separation Package, found here if you do not have it.

If my employer only permits me to work part-time rather than my full-time hours, will I be able to collect unemployment benefits? If I have a full time and part time job and my full-time employer closes because of COVID-19, will I be able to collect while still working part time?

  • You should file for benefits as you may be eligible for partial unemployment. Please note: when working and filing, all hours and gross earnings must be reported. A portion of your gross earnings will be deducted from your weekly benefit rate.

My employer may have retaliated against me because I filed for unemployment benefits. Is there any recourse?

  • Yes. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against individuals who have exercised their rights under the Connecticut Unemployment Compensation Act. Conn. Gen. Stat. §31-226a provides individuals who believe that they have been retaliated against with an opportunity for a hearing.