Self-Employed and Independent Contractors Should Apply for Unemployment

I have heard from one of the CO-Chairs on Labor and Employment who verified that the DOL is working on extending assistance to the self-employed. As such, self-employed/independent contractors have been instructed to file for unemployment insurance, though the state does not yet know what that will look like, or how or when it will roll out or to whom. 
There are instructions on the site, so PLEASE READ as there is an ID number provided for you to use if you do not know your employer’s unemployment insurance number (use this as self-employed), and please ensure that you set up a new account if you have not used the system before. After you complete the setup (allow 30-60 minutes; easier on computer than phone) you may then enter your account, and select either direct deposit or the bank card option for disbursement of funds. DOL is recommending everyone use direct deposit, as the bank card option will take an additional 10 business days to process. 

This link will take you directly to the CT Department of Labor website to file: https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/index.htm   

Additionally, there is also work being done to provide no interest loans; the best resource for this would be the CT Small Business Development Center.  You can contact them at ctsbdc.com.    

There is, also, the SBA Disaster Relief Loan.  We have sent details about that previously, but please reach out to https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance if you would like to pursue that option.   

As we are in unprecedented times, this is all new territory for our leadership at AMTA National and locally, as well as our state and federal governments. Thank you for your patience as I have been working through all my channels to get you accurate, reliable, and verifiable information and resources.  Also, I am sending CT-specific information. Federal programs, such as the SBA Disaster Relief loans were (and are) available here in CT that may not be open to other states if they have not taken the proper steps to allow that option.    

Trust me, we are ALL in this together and I deeply appreciate those of you who have sent notes of gratitude and offered to help.  For now, just keep small business/micro-business/sole proprietors/self employed constituents in the forefront of the legislator’s minds. Keep writing to your state and federal representatives.  

Thank you!  Stay safe, stay well, stay sane 🙂
Nikki Arel, AMTA-CT GR Chair

You May Also Like