Connecticut Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide

Last update:

Looking for tips to access the Connecticut Unemployment Insurance Benefits? 

In this article, we will make Unemployment Insurance Benefits easy to understand with Connecticut Unemployment phone numbers and other contact information.

We understand.

The experience of unemployment is often fraught with anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Not being able to provide for oneself and one’s family can be very difficult, and the stress of the situation can be overwhelming. 

Those who are unemployed may feel like they are a burden to their loved ones, and they may feel like they are not good enough or valuable enough. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are people who care about you and want to help. 

You are valuable, even if you are not working at the moment. There are many resources available to you, so please do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Why did we create the Connecticut Unemployment Insurance Benefits Guide?

Government websites can be difficult to navigate for a lot of people. They may be confusing or hard to use, and they may not have all the information people need. This can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially for people who are already struggling. 

Having said that, please use our guide as support but NOT the official guide. You will NEED to contact the official unemployment government staff and fight for your own benefits. You can do this.

Who’s in charge of Connecticut Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

The Unemployment Benefits program is overseen by the Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL). Connecticut’s unemployment benefits program offers temporary income to jobless employees in the state, both part-time and full-time. This unemployment benefit serves as a bridge while the employee searches for new employment, attends approved training, or waits to be recalled from a layoff.

Unemployment insurance compensation in Connecticut is entirely funded by taxes paid by Connecticut companies. Workers in Connecticut do not pay any fees linked with the unemployment compensation program.

Connecticut Unemployment Contact 

Consumer Contact Center

  • Phone: 1 203-941-6868
  • Phone: 1 860-967-0493
  • Phone: 1 800-956-3294
  • TTY – 711 or 800-842-9710
  • Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 4:30pm
  • Closed Saturday, Sunday & holidays

How To Qualify for Connecticut Unemployment Benefits

Individual decisions are made on an individual basis. If the following requirements are satisfied, a Connecticut citizen may be deemed eligible for unemployment benefits:

  • You earned enough money throughout the review period, as defined by Connecticut law.
  • You have been laid off due to no fault of your own. You are physically and psychologically capable of working.
  • As defined by Connecticut law, you are available for work.
  • You’ve applied for a job with the American Job Center.
  • You’re actively looking for a new job.

How Much Unemployment Benefits Will I Get in Connecticut? 

  • Base Period: First 4 of the last 5 completed quarters
  • Alt Base Period: Last 4 completed quarters
  • Duration of Benefits: 26 weeks
  • Weekly Payment: Min $15 to Max $724
  • Maximum Benefits Amount (1 year): $18,824

How Do I Apply for Connecticut Unemployment Benefits?

As soon as you lose your job, you should make an initial claim for unemployment benefits with the Connecticut Department of Labor. The CT Direct Benefits website is the most convenient method to do so.

To get started, you’ll need to create an online account with a valid email address. You may use your account to monitor the progress of your claim and file your weekly benefits certification after you’ve made one.

How do I Manage My Connecticut Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment compensation in Connecticut is paid on a weekly basis. While you are receiving funds, you must submit an eligibility certification every week. You can certify your claim online using the same account you used to file it.

You must answer a series of questions regarding your job-search activity for the week, as well as record any income or job offers, as part of the certification process.

Please visit your local American Job Center if you need help submitting your weekly certification.

How Do I Appeal a Connecticut Unemployment Decision?

You will get formal notification if your initial application for unemployment benefits is refused. The decision will be explained in full in the letter. You may file an appeal if you disagree with the verdict.

Within 21 calendar days of the postmark date on your decision letter, you must file a written request for an appeal. Any of the following techniques can be used to submit an appeal:

  • Send your appeal to any full-service American Job Center by mail or fax.
  • Submit your appeal request online.
  • In person, at any full-service American Job Center, submit your appeal request.

How Do I Report a Connecticut Unemployment Fraud?

Unemployment is a severe crime in Connecticut, and the state takes it extremely seriously. Unemployment fraud tarnishes the UI benefits program’s credibility and may hinder benefits from reaching those who need them most.

If you think someone is claiming UI benefits by giving false information, please use the state of Connecticut’s online reporting form to provide as much information as possible.

You can either send or fax the form to the address mentioned below, in addition to submitting it online:

Connecticut Department of Labor

  • Benefit Payment Control Unit
  • 200 Folly Brook Blvd.
  • Wethersfield, CT 06109
  • Fax: 860-263-6343

How Do I Talk to a Person in Connecticut Unemployment Customer Service?

Steps:

  1. Dial 1-203-941-6868 or 1-860-967-0493
  2. Press 1 (for English)
  3. Press 1 (for regular state unemployment insurance or an extension of benefits program)
  4. Stay on the line
  5. The automated phone system will connect you to a live customer service agent from CT Unemployment

CT Unemployment Voice Main Menu

  • Press 1 for regular state unemployment insurance or an extension of the benefits program.
  • Press 2 for self-employed individuals and others who have a PUA.
  • Press 3 to reply to these options.

CT Unemployment Customer Service Representatives Hours

  • Live CT Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 7 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday, 
  • From 8 am to 3 pm Saturday, 
  • Sunday closed.

CT Unemployment Support Phone Numbers

  • CT Unemployment Support Phone Number: 1-203-941-6868 or 1-860-967-0493. Live CT Unemployment Insurance customer service is available from 7 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday, from 8 am to 3 pm Saturday, Sunday closed.
  • Consumer Contact Center: 1-800-956-3294. Live customer service representatives from CT Unemployment are available from 7 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday, from 8 am to 3 pm Saturday, Sunday closed
  • TTY: 711 or 1-800-842-9710.
  • Key Bank Customer Service: 1-866-295-2955.
  • Connecticut Department of Labor Agency: 1-860-263-6000.

CT Unemployment Mailing Addresses

Connecticut Department of Labor:

  • 200 Folly Brook Boulevard
  • Wethersfield, CT 06109

CT Unemployment Live Chat Support

You can start a live chat with customer support at CT Unemployment Support page.

  • Press the “ASK DOL”
  • Press the “Continue”
  • Fill in the form
  • Press the “Start Chatting”

CT Unemployment support email

  • Non-unemployment benefits: dol.webhelp@ct.gov

CT UI Help Center

You can find more information at CT Unemployment Insurance (UI) Support page.

What if I quit?

In general, you are not eligible if you leave your work freely.

If you quit for “good cause,” though, you may be able to collect. The state unemployment office determines what constitutes good reason, and you can make your case for getting benefits.

You should be entitled to a hearing if your claim is denied so that you can explain your claim. You should contact your local office because regulations and conditions differ from state to state.


Similar Content


Connecticut Unemployment Phone Number and Office Locations

Connecticut Unemployment  OfficeConnecticut Unemployment Office LocationsConnecticut Unemployment Phone Number
Hartford CT American Jobs Center3580 Main StreetHartford, CT 06120860-256-3700
Unemployment Office – Manchester893 Main StManchester, CT 06040860-643-2222
Unemployment Office – Meriden87 West Main StreetMeriden, CT 06451203-238-3688
Unemployment Office – Middletown272 South Main StreetMiddletown, CT 06457860-347-7691
Unemployment Office – New Britain260-270 Lafayette StreetNew Britain, CT 06053860-899-3500
Unemployment Office – New Haven560 Ella T Grasso Blvd #3New Haven, CT 06519203-624-1493
Unemployment Office – Stamford141 Franklin Street2nd Floor Suite 211Stamford, CT 06901203-353-1702
Unemployment Office-Torrington59 Field St.Torrington, CT 06790860-496-3500
Unemployment Office – Montville601 Norwich New London Trnpk #1Uncasville, CT 06382860-848-5240
Unemployment Office – Waterbury249 Thomaston AvenueWaterbury, CT 06702203-437-3380
Unemployment Office – East1320 Main StreetWillimantic, CT 06226860-450-7603

Final Thoughts

We hope the above info has been helpful to you. 

We do not make any financial advice but below are some of our thoughts that could help you stand on your feet sooner than later.

  • Don’t feel shame about needing help, but also don’t feel entitled. 
  • Don’t beat yourself up – things happen. The sooner you accept it and move on, the better.
  • Don’t burn the bridge. Work with your employer to help yourself. 
    • 1) Check if you are entitled to severance pay, vacation or sick pay, 
    • 2) Ask about extending health insurance benefits, 
    • 3) Ask about outplacement resources, 
    • 4) Request a reference letter from your employer 
  • Review your financial positions, obligations. 
  • Make a weekly or monthly budget. Buy what you need, so you don’t have to sell what you need.
  • Watch out for credit card loans – they will eat you alive.
  • Make an action plan with at least 3 scenarios from best to worst and examine your options.

Related Content: 


Photo of author
Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

Leave a Comment