Are there any unemployment benefits for self employed?
James Olson
Updated on March 28, 2026
N ormally, there’s no unemployment for self-employed individuals. But with the unprecedented impact COVID-19 is having on the economy, the federal government has passed legislation to provide relief for small businesses and independent workers.
How to get unemployment if self employed ( CARES Act )?
There are four main expanded unemployment benefits under the CARES Act that can aid those that are self-employed. Under this section, covered individuals may receive unemployment assistance for 39 weeks for the rest of the year.
Can a self employed person qualify for unemployment restitution?
Traditionally, self-employed individuals didn’t qualify for unemployment benefits. Independent contractors and gig workers were also excluded from any kind of unemployment restitution, but the coronavirus outbreak has changed that. Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA): On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the FFCRA into law.
Where do I file for unemployment if I’m self employed?
The federal government sets guidelines for how state programs can operate, and states set their own rules within those guidelines. If you’re self-employed and seeking unemployment benefits during the pandemic, you’ll need to file a claim with your state unemployment office. You’ll typically file in the state where you worked.
There are several programs under the CARES Act that include benefits for self-employed workers: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC), and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). These programs are designed to:
What do you need to know about self employed insurance?
Self-employed insurance. As a self-employed worker, you need insurance that reflects your unique setup. With Simply Business you get to choose from a range of covers to build a single business insurance policy with a single premium, a single renewal date, and just the one set of documents.
How to get employment insurance for self employed in Canada?
If you already have a My Service Canada Account, simply login using your existing user code and password, and select the “Employment Insurance for the Self-Employed” option on the main page to begin the registration process.