Coronavirus CT: Here's How To File For Unemployment Benefits

CONNECTICUT — As the new coronavirus is filling up hospital beds across the state, it is also emptying businesses of all sizes. Many Connecticut residents who never dreamed they would be filing for unemployment benefits now find themselves navigating a very choppy and unfamiliar sea.

Unemployment only pays roughly 50 percent of your weekly gross earnings over the previous 15 months. The average weekly benefit is $376, and the max is capped at $649. Benefits are paid out for 26 weeks, with an extension of that possible at the federal level.

Good news? Dependent credits of $15 for up to five children are also available. Not-quite-so-good news: Some of the curveballs unique to the Age of Coronavirus, such as when an employer requires an unpaid 14-day quarantine.

Last week the Connecticut Department of Labor received 2,500 claims, which spokesman Steve Jensen described as "very typical." But then things got surreal: they received more than 56,000 claims since Friday, March 13 to now, March 19, including 12,000 on Wednesday alone.

The DoL has begun to shift resources to devote more staff to the processing of new claims, Jensen said, and Gov. Ned Lamont has also authorized the use of overtime for this purpose.

All of which just goes to underscore the first pro-tip for getting unemployment benefits: file fast. Not sure if your particular circumstances disqualify you? Rest assured, the State won't pay you anything they don't owe you, but get in the queue as quickly as possible. Claims are not backdated to your last day of work, and your first week of unemployment benefits is always on the Sunday of the week when you submit the application for benefits. The actual filing process is relatively easy and all done online at the Connecticut Labor Department website.

Ultimately you will need a formal separation package from you employer, but not having that should not delay you from filing your claim. For faster processing of your claim, include your employer's registration number. The format of this number is two digits with a dash followed by seven more digits. If your employer has not provided you with that information, there are ways to get it online, which vary whether you worked for a public, private or non-profit organization.

Note that it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you if you are sent home and file for unemployment benefits. The Connecticut Unemployment Compensation Act provides workers who believe that they have been retaliated against with an opportunity for a hearing. (To sign up for free, local breaking news alerts from more than 100 Connecticut communities, click here.)

This being 2020 and a gig economy where nobody has just one job, be assured that the state has you covered. If your full-time employer shutters because of COVID-19, and you still have your side job, you can still file for benefits. The same applies to full-time employees who have had their hours cut back because of the virus. Note that 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.

Benefit eligibilities for residents who lose their job because they have actually contracted COVID-19 will be determined on a case-by-case basis, according to the state Department of Labor. Please note that you must be physically able and available for full time work in order to qualify for unemployment benefits. However, there is hope that a plan will be crafted shortly on the federal level which would cover benefits for citizens who fall sick to the new virus.

Still have questions? Email them to the Labor Department here: dol.webhelp@ct.gov. Expect a response in 3 to 5 business days.