Traditionally, self-employed workers, independent contractors, and freelancers who lose their income are not eligible for unemployment benefits. However, there are exceptions.
Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed Workers
Because employers contribute to a fund for unemployment benefits, their employees are eligible to receive benefits from the government if they qualify after losing their job. If you are operating as self-employed, you most likely didn’t pay into your state’s unemployment fund. Other than in special circumstances, if you were paid as an independent contractor and received a 1099 form, you were not considered an employee and would not be eligible for unemployment benefits. That’s because eligibility for state unemployment benefits is based upon being employed by an organization that was paying into the unemployment insurance fund.
When You Are Considered an Employee
If you were hired as an independent contractor, you may still be considered an employee, and be eligible for unemployment benefits, depending on the law in your state. For example, in New York, even if your employer hired you to work as an independent contractor, the law may still consider you an employee. This means you may qualify to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Federal and state law determine whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor.
How To Check Your Eligibility
Eligibility varies by state, so check with your state unemployment office to find out who is eligible to collect unemployment compensation, and how to go about filing a claim. When you become unemployed, it’s a good idea to check if you may be eligible for benefits right away. It can take time to begin receiving benefits if you do qualify, so you should file your claim as soon as possible.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
If you were unemployed as a result of a major disaster, you may be eligible to receive disaster unemployment assistance. The federally funded Disaster Unemployment Assistance program (DUA) is designed to provide assistance to workers who become unemployed as the result of a presidentially declared major disaster, and who are ineligible for other unemployment benefits.
Self-Employment Assistance Program
The Self-Employment Assistance Program is a federal government-endorsed program that offers unemployed or displaced workers in some states unemployment benefits when they are starting a business. The Self-Employment Assistance Program pays displaced workers an allowance, instead of regular unemployment insurance benefits, to help keep them afloat while they are establishing a business and becoming self-employed.
When You’re Already Collecting Unemployment
If you are collecting unemployment based on a job you had, working freelance can impact the benefits you are receiving. For example, in New York state, you need to report income when you do freelance work, do “favors” for another business, start a business, are self-employed, or become self-employed while you are collecting unemployment benefits. If you are doing other work, you may be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits or receive partial unemployment benefits for the week you worked. There are similar requirements in other states. In addition, in order to claim benefits, you need to be ready, willing, and available for work. Some states require that you keep and regularly turn in an employment log documenting your efforts to regain employment. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, make sure that you know the guidelines regarding any work you engage in. Violating the requirements can result in a loss of benefits and also substantial fines if you are discovered.
