ReEmployCT: How to Apply for Connecticut Unemployment Benefits

Losing a job can create a lot of uncertainty, especially when you are trying to figure out where to apply for unemployment benefits and what you need to do each week to keep receiving them.

For workers in Connecticut, ReEmployCT is the state’s online unemployment tax and benefits system. It is used by unemployment claimants to create an account, file unemployment claims, submit weekly certifications, view claim information, receive correspondence, and manage certain benefit-related information.

ReEmployCT was established on July 5, 2022, replacing the state’s previous unemployment system. Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) says all unemployment filers must create a ReEmployCT account, including people who previously had accounts in the old system.

This guide explains what ReEmployCT does, who may qualify for Connecticut unemployment insurance, what you need before filing, and how to claim and continue receiving benefits.

What is ReEmployCT?

ReEmployCT is Connecticut’s online unemployment insurance tax and benefits system operated by the Connecticut Department of Labor.

For workers, the system provides an online way to manage unemployment claims. Employers also use ReEmployCT for unemployment insurance tax and wage-reporting responsibilities, but claimants generally interact with the system for unemployment benefits.

The claimant side of ReEmployCT can be used to:

Create and manage an unemployment account
File a new unemployment claim
Reopen an existing claim when appropriate
Submit weekly unemployment certifications
Report wages and other required information
Review claim and benefit information
Receive certain communications from CTDOL
View information about benefit determinations
Manage payment options
File an appeal when applicable

CTDOL says ReEmployCT is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except during scheduled maintenance.

One important point is that having a ReEmployCT account does not automatically mean you qualify for unemployment benefits. Your eligibility is determined under Connecticut’s unemployment insurance rules

Who can use ReEmployCT?

ReEmployCT is used by both unemployment claimants and employers.

For an individual who has lost a job or had their hours reduced, the claimant portion of ReEmployCT is the relevant part of the system.

If you previously used Connecticut’s old unemployment system, you still need to create new ReEmployCT login credentials. Your old username and password will not work in the new system. However, CTDOL says your previous filing history was transferred to ReEmployCT.

What you need to create a ReEmployCT Account.

When creating an account, you will generally need information such as your Social Security number, name, date of birth, and access to your personal email address.

You will also create a new user ID, password, and security questions. CTDOL recommends using a current version of Chrome, Edge, or Safari when accessing ReEmployCT.

What are the main features of ReEmployCT?

ReEmployCT is more than an application website. It acts as the central online account for many parts of the Connecticut unemployment process.

1. New unemployment claims

If you become unemployed or your working hours are reduced, you can use the system to submit an unemployment claim.

CTDOL advises applicants to provide accurate information because even small mistakes can delay benefits.

2. Weekly unemployment certifications

After establishing an unemployment claim, you generally need to file a certification every week you want to receive benefits.

A common mistake is confusing a new unemployment claim with a weekly certification.

If you already have an active, continuous claim and are within your benefit year, CTDOL says you should use the Weekly Certification option rather than starting another unemployment claim.

3. Claim and benefit information

Your ReEmployCT account can provide information about your claim, including your weekly benefit amount and remaining benefits.

After filing, CTDOL also issues a Monetary Determination explaining the benefit amount you may receive, the number of weeks for which you may be eligible, and information about appealing the determination if you disagree with it.

4. Reporting earnings

If you work while receiving unemployment benefits, you may have to report your earnings.

CTDOL specifically says claimants must report gross pay, not take-home pay. Earnings must be reported for the week in which they were earned, even if the claimant has not yet received the money.

5. Work-search reporting

Connecticut requires most unemployment recipients to search for work each week.

The current CTDOL work-search guidance says claimants generally must complete at least three work-search activities per week, including at least one employer contact.

Examples can include contacting employers, applying for jobs, attending job fairs or workshops, and participating in certain reemployment activities.

It is important to keep records of your job-search activities. CTDOL’s work-search record specifically advises claimants to keep documentation, including screenshots of online job-search activity, for three years.

6. Payment options

Eligible claimants can receive unemployment payments through options such as direct deposit or a prepaid debit card.

The Connecticut Department of Labor’s unemployment guide explains both payment methods and provides information about selecting a payment option.

Who is Eligible for Connecticut Unemployment Benefits?

Creating an account and submitting an application does not guarantee payment.

According to Connecticut Department of Labor guidance, eligibility generally involves several requirements. A claimant must generally:

Be physically and mentally able to work
Be totally or partially unemployed
Have an appropriate reason for being unemployed
Have worked in Connecticut during the applicable period
Have earned enough wages under Connecticut’s requirements
Actively look for work each week
File unemployment claims and certifications on time

For example, layoffs caused by a lack of work or a reduction in an employer’s workforce may qualify, but the circumstances surrounding a person’s separation from employment matter.

Does everyone who loses a job qualify?

No.

Unemployment eligibility is determined based on the circumstances of the claim, including previous wages, the reason the person became unemployed, their ability and availability to work, and whether they meet continuing requirements.

This is why it is generally better to file a claim and allow CTDOL to make an eligibility determination rather than assuming you are automatically disqualified.

How much Unemployment can you Receive in Connecticut?

The amount of unemployment benefits depends on your wages during the applicable base period.

CTDOL explains that the weekly benefit calculation generally uses the claimant’s two highest-paid quarters in the base period. The average of those two quarters is divided by 26 to determine the weekly benefit amount, subject to Connecticut’s rules and applicable maximums. An alternate base period may be used when a claimant does not qualify under the regular base period.

Your individual Monetary Determination is the document to rely on for the benefit amount assigned to your claim.

Because benefit rules and amounts can change, applicants should not rely on an old article or calculator alone when determining how much they will receive.

How to Claim Unemployment Benefits through ReEmployCT

If you have recently lost your job or had your hours reduced, the process generally follows these steps.

Step 1: Create your ReEmployCT account

Start by creating an account through the official ReEmployCT system.

You will be asked for identifying and account-security information, including your Social Security number, name, date of birth, email address, user ID, password, and security questions.

If you already had an account under Connecticut’s old unemployment system, do not assume that your old login will work. ReEmployCT requires new credentials.

Step 2: Gather your employment information

Before starting your application, gather the information you are likely to need.

CTDOL’s filing materials indicate that applicants may need information such as:

Social Security number
Address and telephone number
Personal email address
Work authorization information, when applicable
Employer names and addresses
Employment start and end dates
Information about wages and employment
Dependent information, if claiming dependents
Banking information if choosing direct deposit

Having this information ready can make the application easier and reduce the risk of errors.

Step 3: File your unemployment claim

If you are filing a new claim, follow the unemployment claim option provided through the ReEmployCT/CTDOL filing system.

CTDOL also provides access to new-claim filing through FileCTUI.com. Its current claimant guidance distinguishes between filing a new claim and filing a weekly certification.

Answer every question accurately and completely.

Do not guess about your wages, employment dates, reason for separation, or earnings. An incorrect answer can create delays or other problems with a claim.

Step 4: Wait for your determination

After filing, CTDOL reviews the claim and determines whether you meet the applicable requirements.

You should receive a Monetary Determination explaining your potential benefit amount and other important information. If you disagree with a determination, the notice provides information about your appeal rights.

Step 5: File your weekly certification

Filing the original unemployment application is only the beginning.

To continue receiving benefits, eligible claimants generally need to submit a weekly certification.

Connecticut unemployment claim weeks run from Sunday through Saturday, and the weekly certification must generally be submitted by Saturday.

During the weekly certification, you may be asked about matters such as whether you were able and available to work, whether you looked for work, whether you refused an offer of work, and whether you worked or earned money during the week.

Step 6: Complete your required work searches

Unless you have been granted an applicable exemption, you must continue looking for work while receiving unemployment benefits.

The current CTDOL requirement is generally three work-search activities per week, including at least one employer contact.

Keep evidence of what you did. If CTDOL asks you to verify your work-search activity, having accurate records can make the process much easier.

What happens if you forget your weekly claim?

Missing a weekly certification can create problems.

CTDOL says that if you forget to file on Sunday, you can still file for the previous week during the following week. However, if you miss more than one week, you should contact the Consumer Contact Center for assistance.

The safest approach is to make weekly filing part of your routine rather than waiting until the deadline.

Can you reopen an unemployment claim?

Yes, in situations where an existing claim needs to be reopened.

For example, someone may return to work and later become unemployed again during the life of an existing claim.

CTDOL’s ReEmployCT guidance says that claimants who have reached the end of their benefit year or need to reopen a claim after returning to work should use the appropriate Unemployment Claim option rather than treating the process as an ordinary weekly certification.

How to Receive Your Unemployment Payments

If your claim is approved and you satisfy the continuing requirements, Connecticut provides payment options including:

Direct deposit
Prepaid debit card

Your payment selection can be managed through the unemployment system.

Remember that filing a claim does not mean a payment is guaranteed. CTDOL must determine that you qualify for the particular week being claimed.

What can cause unemployment benefits to be delayed?

Several issues can slow down a claim.

Common examples include:

Incorrect personal information
Incorrect employment dates
Missing wage information
Errors in employer information
Failure to report earnings
Failure to complete weekly certifications
Failure to complete required work-search activities
Questions about why the claimant left employment
Questions about whether the claimant was available for work
Missing requested information or documentation

CTDOL specifically warns that small errors on an unemployment application can cause significant delays.

For this reason, take your time when completing the application and keep copies or records of important information you submit.

ReEmployCT vs. Connecticut unemployment benefits: what’s the difference?

These two terms are sometimes confused.

ReEmployCT is the system.
Unemployment Insurance is the benefit program.

In simple terms, ReEmployCT is the online platform Connecticut uses to administer unemployment tax and benefits services. Your unemployment benefits are the payments you may receive if CTDOL determines that you meet the eligibility requirements.

Having a ReEmployCT account therefore does not mean you have been approved for unemployment.

What is the difference between a new claim and a weekly certification?

This is one of the most important things for new claimants to understand.

A new unemployment claim starts the process of requesting unemployment benefits.

A weekly certification tells CTDOL that you are still claiming benefits for a particular week and answers questions that help determine whether you remain eligible.

If you already have an active, continuous claim, CTDOL says to use the Weekly Certification option rather than filing another new unemployment claim.

Filing the wrong type of request can create unnecessary confusion, so pay attention to the option you select after logging into your account.

Does ReEmployCT calculate your Unemployment Benefits?

ReEmployCT is used to administer the claim, but your benefit eligibility and amount are determined under Connecticut’s unemployment insurance rules.

CTDOL uses wage information from your applicable base period when determining your potential weekly benefit amount. The resulting Monetary Determination explains the amount and duration associated with your claim.

What if you are selected for RESEA?

Some unemployment claimants may be selected for Connecticut’s Unemployment Insurance Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (UI RESEA) program.

The program is designed to help selected claimants return to work and may include an eligibility assessment, review of work-search efforts, career information, and referrals to reemployment services.

Importantly, CTDOL’s current guidance says that if you receive an RESEA notice, participation in the required virtual meeting is mandatory to continue receiving unemployment benefits. Missing the meeting may result in disqualification.

Tips for using ReEmployCT successfully

A few simple habits can make the unemployment process less stressful.

Keep your information accurate

Use your actual employment and wage information. Do not estimate when you can verify the information from pay stubs, tax documents, or employer records.

Report gross earnings

When reporting work during a benefit week, use your gross earnings, not the amount that reaches your bank account after taxes and deductions.

Keep work-search records

Record employer contacts, applications, interviews, job fairs, workshops, and other qualifying activities.

CTDOL recommends keeping work-search records for three years.

Watch your ReEmployCT account

Important notices can affect your claim. Check your account and correspondence regularly rather than assuming everything will happen automatically.

File on time

A missed weekly certification can interrupt your benefits. Make weekly filing part of your schedule.

Use official sources

There are many websites that discuss Connecticut unemployment benefits, but eligibility rules and procedures can change. For an actual claim, the Connecticut Department of Labor should be your primary source of information.

Final thoughts

ReEmployCT has become an important part of the Connecticut unemployment process. For someone who has recently lost a job, understanding the difference between creating an account, filing a new claim, and completing weekly certifications can prevent some of the most common mistakes.

The key is to treat unemployment as an ongoing process rather than a one-time application. File your initial claim accurately, complete your weekly certifications on time, report your gross earnings honestly, complete the required work-search activities, and pay attention to notices from the Connecticut Department of Labor.

Most importantly, remember that ReEmployCT does not guarantee unemployment benefits. Your eligibility is determined by CTDOL based on Connecticut’s unemployment insurance rules and the facts of your individual claim.

For the most accurate and current information, always verify important claim instructions directly with the Connecticut Department of Labor before submitting an application or making decisions about your benefits.