Can you collect unemployment while working for an independent contractor?

Answer 1

Check with the laws of your particular state. If, as an independently employed person, he did not contribute to the state's unemployment insurance pool he may not qualify. Often,one of the reason many employers deliberately use independent contractors is so the employer doesn't have to pay the state payroll/unemployment taxes. Working as such probably doesn't qualify you for the benefits.

First, determine if you are, in fact, an independent contractor. By definition, you should be able to control your own working conditions, hours, method of performing the job, be under contract or verbal agreement with the employer as to the above, etc. Many employers misclassify their employees to avoid approximately 30% of labor expenses (employment security taxes, Social Security contributions, health benefits, income taxes, etc.). If the employer is guilty of this they are violating IRS laws, state laws, etc. See the Related Link below for more details. Contact your employment security office or the IRS if you suspect you are not considered "an employee", by your boss, after checking out the definition. At this time the IRS and 37 states are investigating this abuse.

Answer 2

If you get a W2 and not a 1099 then yes, I have own business and sub myself out when times are slow only thing I can say is get a job that pays into UI so u can collect. Being a sub pays alot more but it's not for most

Answer 3

No. A sub-contractor is in business for himself, working under a contractor, and therefore in control of his own situation. Only wage earning ex-employees are eligible for unemployment benefits.

Answer 4

Each state has its own regulations concerning working while collecting unemployment benefits. The general rule, however, is you have to be earning less than some fraction of the weekly benefits in order to qualify for still be receiving the benefit and you MUST report all earnings to the state office. It's best to check with your own state's office for clarification.

Answer 5

This depends on several factors and what state you live in. However, in most cases, if you are dedicating the majority of your time (i.e 40 hours a week) towards something, then you are not considered to be unemployed. If you are deemed to be unemployed, then usually you will be disqualified based on not being available.

Answer 6

Yes, as long as you report your income weekly. They will then adjust your benefits accordingly.

Answer 7

If you are now an IC but were formerly an employee, yes. If you have never been an employee on whom an employer paid UI taxes, then no.

Answer 8

Depends, if they paid into the system and meet the qualifications then yes, otherwise no.

Answer 9

Can an independent contractor collect unemployment ?