Most of us have never seen a global pandemic like the one currently raging across the world. The Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a flu-like virus that is extremely contagious. To stop the spread of this deadly disease, businesses across the country shut down and sent employees home. For some employees, their work allows them to continue working from home. This enables workers to collect their paychecks while keeping the business running. However, not everyone is so fortunate. From waiters to entertainment industry workers, thousands of individuals suddenly found themselves unemployed in the last few weeks. If you found yourself unemployed during the Coronavirus, what can you do? Can you collect unemployment?
Unemployment in Connecticut During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont ordered the closure of restaurants, malls, gyms, and movie theaters. This will hopefully stop the spread of Coronavirus. However, because of these closures, a huge sector of the economy is suddenly out of work. This has led to an increase in unemployment claims. In fact, in New Jersey, the number of unemployment application filings caused the system to crash.
In Connecticut, unemployment claims reached 30,000 as of March 17th. At this rate, the state may quickly deplete its $610 million unemployment insurance fund. For now, unemployed Connecticut residents may find that they can collect unemployment benefits.
The Connecticut Department of Labor is handling Coronavirus-related unemployment on a case-by-case basis. Governor Lamont suspended the requirement that unemployed workers prove that they are actively searching for work. To apply for unemployment, it is best to file your claim through the electronic system. There is also a hotline to answer any questions you may have. You can go to www.filectui.com to begin the filing process.
For faster processing, employees need to have their employer’s registration number and return to work date readily available. If you do not know when you will return to work, do not worry. File a claim and begin the process of collecting unemployment benefits. Your employer should provide you with an Unemployment Separation Package. However, if your employer did not, you can find it here.
If you lost your job because you contracted COVID-19, you may need to speak to an attorney. Losing your job because you contracted an illness may be grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit. You may also find that you are eligible for workers’ compensation during this time. In order to obtain these benefits, you must prove that you contracted COVID-19 while in the scope of performing your job duties. This could include exposure during a work trip or because you are a healthcare worker.
Our Hartford Workers’ Compensation Attorney Is Ready to Answer Your Questions
At the Polinsky Law Group LLC, we are here to help you through this difficult time. The coronavirus outbreak has everyone on edge and workers are not certain where they can turn. Suddenly being out of work is scary. That is why you need a Hartford workers’ compensation attorney on your side. We can help answer all of your questions about unemployment during the pandemic. To get started, we offer a free consultation followed by compassionate legal assistance every step of the way. Let our Hartford workers’ compensation attorney help. Call us today at (860) 253-2729 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information.