Connecticut Unemployment Insurance

Connecticut Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance to workers unemployed through no fault of their own. In Connecticut, receipt of benefits is limited to no more than 26 weeks.

Each state sets its own guidelines for eligibility for UI benefits, but you usually qualify if you:

1. have lost a job through no fault of your own;
2. are unemployed or partially unemployed for reasons permissible under federal law;
3. are “able to work, available to work, and actively seeking work;” and
4. have earned at least a certain amount of money during a “base period” prior to becoming unemployed. In most states, this is usually the first 4 out of the last 5 completed calendar quarters prior to the time that your claim is filed.

According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, in order to be eligible for unemployment benefits in 2026, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:¹

1. at least $1,760 in the first four calendar quarters out of the last five, and
2. have wages in at least two quarters of that base period.

For example, if you earned $1,760 or more across your base period but all of it was in one quarter, you would not qualify since your wages must be spread across two or more quarters to be eligible.

In addition, you are required to actively seek suitable employment each week that you are collecting benefits. Failure to provide information could result in a denial of unemployment benefits for that week.

How much unemployment will I get in CT?

According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, the maximum UI weekly benefit rate for 2026 is $721, and benefits are paid for up to 26 weeks.¹ In addition, a parent may be eligible for a dependency allowance of $15 weekly for each child under the age of 18, up to a maximum of $75 per week.

Is there a time limit on unemployment benefits in Connecticut?

Yes. Benefits in Connecticut are limited to 26 weeks within a benefit year. Once the maximum has been paid, payments end, and receiving further benefits generally requires a new benefit year and meeting the wage requirements again.

How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in CT?

Claims for weekly benefits may be filed online through ReEmployCT , Connecticut’s unemployment tax and benefits system or call (800) 942-6653 if you wish to file your initial claim over the phone.

Connecticut Department of Labor
Consumer Contact Center
(800) 956-3294