January 19, 2021

DOL Updates Regarding Unemployment Compensation

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I just wanted you to know that last week the CT Department of Labor announced updates regarding Unemployment Compensation, including early application timelines for the new federal Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation program, and a new Consumer Contact Center tool to assist residents who need unemployment claims assistance.

Established as part of the newest CARES Act iteration, the Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation program is a new federal resource for residents who have both self-employment earnings as well as W2 earnings. Currently, Connecticut is one of only a handful of states that have announced they are opting into this program, which offers an additional $100 for eligible filers using many state and federal unemployment programs, however, the law excludes PUA claimants.

Over the next few weeks CTDOL will notify claimants who may be eligible to apply.

About the MEUC program:

Eligible claimants will receive an additional $100 per week until the program expires March 13, 2021. Eligibility requirements include at least $5000 in self-employment net earnings in the most recent completed taxable year. Ex. Filers for 2020 will submit 2019 tax documents.
Claimants must apply for the program. CTDOL expects to open the application process in late February/early March. Eligibility will be retroactive to December 27, 2020.
State unemployment, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, extended benefits, and other filers are eligible. The law excludes Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants from MEUC.
The program is 100% federally funded, employers are not liable for MEUC payments.
Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation, like all unemployment benefits, is taxable and could impact Medicaid and CHIP eligibility.

Consumer Contact Center

The new Contact Center feature, accessed through the www.FileCTUI.com page, allows people to schedule a call back up to two weeks out.

With the new scheduling feature, customers can schedule a call back right from the website and know they have an appointment for a claims specialist. The scheduled call back feature handles all filers except for PUA claimants. They are directed to a designated unit at the Contact Center and must continue to use the phone numbers or online features.