Important Information on Unemployment Insurance for Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Workers

Connecticut

Connecticut Department of Labor

Phone: 860-263-6975 or 203-455-2653 (for information but not for filing claims)

Website:         https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/index.htm

Who qualifies for unemployment?

Most workers will qualify for unemployment benefits, and during the COVID-19 emergency, eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  Please see this website for additional information:  http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/unemployedduetocoronavirus.pdf. 

When should I file for unemployment?

You should file as soon as possible.  Connecticut has waived the normal requirement that you continue searching for work during the COVID-19 emergency.  You can only file for unemployment benefits online at the website listed above.

What if I don’t live and work in the same state?

You should file for unemployment in the state where you work.

What percentage of my pay will be replaced by unemployment benefits?

Your benefit rate is based on the average of the weekly wage you earned during the six months in the past year when you earned the highest wages, up to the current maximum weekly benefit rate of $649.  During the COVID-19 emergency, if you are eligible for benefits you will also receive an additional $600 per week until July 31, 2020.

What if I didn’t lose my job but am being scheduled to work fewer hours?

You can still apply for unemployment.  You will likely receive at least partial unemployment benefits if you are working part-time when you usually work full-time.

I have a different question about unemployment benefits.

You can look at this page answering some frequently asked questions for additional guidance: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF.

Who qualifies as an essential employee in Connecticut?

For a list of essential workers and businesses in Connecticut, please see pages 6-9 of the document at this site:  https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/COVID-19-FAQs.pdf?la=en.

What kind of paid sick leave or paid family leave do I get under state or federal law?

The new federal law requires your employer to provide 14 days of paid leave if you have coronavirus or if you are placed in quarantine to care for a family member who has coronavirus.  You must receive at least two-thirds of your wages during that 14-day period.  Connecticut also has a paid sick leave law.  For more information, see page 9 of this FAQ site:  http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/DOLCOVIDFAQ.PDF.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance

Phone: 860-263-6975 or 203-455-2653 (for information but not for filing claims)

Website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits

Who qualifies for unemployment?

Most workers will qualify for unemployment benefits, and during the COVID-19 emergency, eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  

When should I file for unemployment?

You should file as soon as possible.  Massachusetts has waived the normal requirement that you continue searching for work during the COVID-19 emergency.  You can only file for unemployment benefits online at the website listed above.

What if I don’t live and work in the same state?

You should file for unemployment in the state where you work.

What percentage of my pay will be replaced by unemployment benefits?

Your benefit rate will be approximately half of your average weekly wage up to a maximum of $823.  You also get $25 per dependent child up to an amount that is half of your UI check.  For a personalized estimate of your benefits, you can use this benefit calculator:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/how-your-unemployment-benefits-are-determined#unemployment-benefits-determination-calculator-.  During the COVID-19 emergency, if you are eligible for benefits you will also receive an additional $600 per week until July 31, 2020.

What if I didn’t lose my job but am being scheduled to work fewer hours?

You can still apply for unemployment.  You will likely receive at least partial unemployment benefits if you are working part-time when you usually work full-time.

I have a different question about unemployment benefits.

You can look at this page answering some frequently asked questions for additional guidance: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/employee-unemployment-faq-covid-19#my-employer-has-shut-down-because-of-the-coronavirus?-should-i-apply-for-unemployment?-.

Who qualifies as an essential employee in Massachusetts?

For a list of essential workers and businesses in Massachusetts, please visit this website:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-essential-services.

What kind of paid sick leave or paid family leave do I get under state or federal law?

The new federal law requires your employer to provide 14 days of paid leave if you have coronavirus or if you are placed in quarantine to care for a family member who has coronavirus.  You must receive at least two-thirds of your wages during that 14-day period.  Some workers in Massachusetts have additional earned sick leave rights under state law.  For more information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/earned-sick-time.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training

Phone: 401-243-9100, or 866-557-0001 for out-of-state claims

Website: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/ui/fileclaim2.htm

Who qualifies for unemployment?

Most workers will qualify for unemployment benefits, and during the COVID-19 emergency, eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.  If you are unable to work but your employer remains open, you may be eligible for temporary disability insurance benefits.  See this website for details:  https://dltweb.dlt.ri.gov/TDIReserve/Home.

When should I file for unemployment?

You should file as soon as possible.  Rhode Island has waived the seven-day waiting period during the COVID-19 emergency.  

What if I don’t live and work in the same state?

You may have options about where to file your unemployment claim. Call 401-243-9100 for more information about these options.

What percentage of my
pay will be replaced by unemployment benefits?

Your weekly benefit rate will be 3.85% of the average of the total wages you earned in the six months during the past year when you earned the highest wages, up to a maximum of $526.  You may also be eligible for an allowance for your dependent children.  During the COVID-19 emergency, if you are eligible for benefits you will also receive an additional $600 per week until July 31, 2020.

What if I didn’t lose my job but am being scheduled to work fewer hours?

You can still apply for unemployment.  You will likely receive at least partial unemployment benefits if you are working part-time when you usually work full-time.

I have a different question about unemployment benefits.

You can look at this page answering some frequently asked questions for additional guidance: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/ui/UIfaqFiling.htm.

Who qualifies as an essential employee in Rhode Island?

So far, Rhode Island has not identified essential employees.  Rhode Island has ordered that certain kinds of businesses must close for in-person operations.  For more information, see https://www.ri.gov/press/view/37985. 

What kind of paid sick leave or paid family leave do I get under state or federal law?

The new federal law requires your employer to provide 14 days of paid leave if you have coronavirus or if you are placed in quarantine to care for a family member who has coronavirus.  You must receive at least two-thirds of your wages during that 14-day period.  Some workers in Rhode Island have additional earned sick leave rights under state law.  For more information, please visit http://www.dlt.ri.gov/ls/pdfs/HSFWfactsheet.pdf.