Unemployment Information for Federal Employees and Contractors

For Federal Employees & Contractors
If you are a federal employee who lost their job or was placed on unpaid administrative leave, you may file for unemployment benefits. As is true for all unemployment claims, eligibility is determined case-by-case depending upon the specific details of each worker. Submitting an unemployment application is the first step. Also, CTDOL can help you find a new job. Get one-on-one assistance in person or virtually at an American Job Center, register for updates from the state’s job bank, CTHires, and keep up with recruitment events.
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Be Fraud Aware

CTDOL does not text about unemployment nor will we call you unprompted. Do not give out personal information unless you are certain it is CTDOL. Our fraud page has helpful information to protect your identity and unemployment benefits. 

If you are a federal employee who lost their job or was placed on unpaid administrative leave, you may file for unemployment benefits. Even if you were required or urged to sign a document stating you would not file for unemployment benefits, you are legally entitled to file. Eligibility is determined case-by-case; submitting an unemployment application is the first step.

Here are a few things to know:

  1. Unemployment requires copies of your paystubs. You can either print copies or screenshot them; we recommend keeping several months of paystubs in your personal files.
  2. U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) developed a fact sheet, Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees. 
  3. The fact sheet indicates that you should file in the state where you reside, however, that may not always be Connecticut—you may be required to file in the state referenced on the form your employer gave you upon separation. This form, the Notification of Personnel Action, also called the SF-50, will identify your last official duty station. If you file for benefits in Connecticut and should have filed in another state, CTDOL will help direct you.
  4. The unemployment application asks if you were a federal employee and requires you to check a box. Double check that you’ve answered this question correctly.
    • When you check “yes”, you will be directed to call the Consumer Contact Center to assist you in submitting the application. You can make an appointment at the Consumer Contact Center or call and schedule an appointment. This additional step is critical to correctly submitting your application. 
    • If you check “no” and submit your application, your application will be delayed due to employer validation issues.
  5. If you received or are receiving severance or salary continuance payment(s), you may wish to wait to file for benefits until your payments end; you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits during the weeks you receive severance or salary continuance payment(s).
  6. If you were placed on paid administrative leave, you are considered fully employed and not eligible for unemployment benefits while you receive a salary.
  7. As noted on the USDOL fact sheet, you must provide copies of the following:
    • (a) The SF-8, Notice to Federal Employee About Unemployment Insurance (employer provides this form upon separation); 
    • (b) The SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (employer provides this form upon separation); and 
    • (c) Proof of pay from federal employment in the last eighteen (18) months. 
  8. Connecticut’s unemployment system, ReEmployCT, is available 24/7/365 for filing except during standard maintenance times. Maintenance times and other information are available on the CTDOL Consumer Contact Center page.
  9. Questions should be directed to the Consumer Contact Center.
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