The loss of a job causes a host of problems for the individual who is suddenly without paid position. Unemployment in Connecticut reflects the current economic situation at both the national level and at the state level. In addition to the financial loss of a steady income, unemployment can also affect a person's self-esteem and sense of worth. High or moderate unemployment also hampers economic growth and affect the housing market, retail markets, and the interest rates. Fortunately, Connecticut is doing better than other states in keeping its residents in the workforce.
The Unemployment Rate
Considering the national unemployment rate is 5.3%, Connecticut's unemployment rate is slightly higher with 5.7% of the population currently unemployed. However, this rate is lower than the previous month's rate. More importantly, the 5.7% rate is Connecticut's lowest rate since July 2008. This rate is also lower than the previous year's rate, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor. The state now adds about 2,250 new non-farm jobs every month. The private sector is also improving the workforce level by adding about 27,900 jobs in the last year.
Most of the ten major industries in Connecticut did not provide new jobs. Only four industries added jobs. The Construction and Mining industry provided the most jobs at 2,300. Three major industries provided about 600 jobs each. These three industries are Financial Activities, Manufacturing, and Professional and Business Services. The Government industry lost the most jobs in the last month. About 2,000 people are now out of work. The Leisure and Hospitality, Other Services, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, and the Education and Health Services industries also lost many jobs. Information Technology jobs remained unchanged during this same period.
There are also areas of Connecticut that have the highest unemployment rates. At the top of the list is Waterbury, closely followed by the Norwich-New London-Westerly area, Danielson-Northeast, New Haven, and Hartford.
Getting Unemployment Benefits
It's a good idea to file an unemployment claim as soon as possible after you become unemployed. Connecticut's Department of Labor oversees the administration of unemployment benefits. Anyone who is unemployed through no fault of their own and meets other eligibility requirements can receive temporary income as they look for a new job or wait to be recalled to work. Other eligibility requirements include registering with the American Job Center, being able to work full-time, and filing claims every week.
Unemployed people have to apply for benefits. You can file a claim by using the TeleBenefits "Dial to File" automated phone system Monday through Friday depending on the last digit of your social security number. The number to call depends on your location. Another option is to file your claim online at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/index.htm.
The amount of your benefits is based on your wages for a 12-month period. This 12-month period consists of the first four quarters of the last five calendar quarters. The last quarter or three-month period you worked, will not be part of the calculation. The maximum benefit you can get is $594 per week.
Unemployment in Connecticut continues to improve. For those seeking a new job or a career change, seeking work in a thriving industry is one good way to secure a position. Going where the jobs are increases your chances of being unemployed for just a short-time.
Learn about the types of employment available in CT >>>
The Unemployment Rate
Considering the national unemployment rate is 5.3%, Connecticut's unemployment rate is slightly higher with 5.7% of the population currently unemployed. However, this rate is lower than the previous month's rate. More importantly, the 5.7% rate is Connecticut's lowest rate since July 2008. This rate is also lower than the previous year's rate, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor. The state now adds about 2,250 new non-farm jobs every month. The private sector is also improving the workforce level by adding about 27,900 jobs in the last year.
Most of the ten major industries in Connecticut did not provide new jobs. Only four industries added jobs. The Construction and Mining industry provided the most jobs at 2,300. Three major industries provided about 600 jobs each. These three industries are Financial Activities, Manufacturing, and Professional and Business Services. The Government industry lost the most jobs in the last month. About 2,000 people are now out of work. The Leisure and Hospitality, Other Services, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, and the Education and Health Services industries also lost many jobs. Information Technology jobs remained unchanged during this same period.
There are also areas of Connecticut that have the highest unemployment rates. At the top of the list is Waterbury, closely followed by the Norwich-New London-Westerly area, Danielson-Northeast, New Haven, and Hartford.
Getting Unemployment Benefits
It's a good idea to file an unemployment claim as soon as possible after you become unemployed. Connecticut's Department of Labor oversees the administration of unemployment benefits. Anyone who is unemployed through no fault of their own and meets other eligibility requirements can receive temporary income as they look for a new job or wait to be recalled to work. Other eligibility requirements include registering with the American Job Center, being able to work full-time, and filing claims every week.
Unemployed people have to apply for benefits. You can file a claim by using the TeleBenefits "Dial to File" automated phone system Monday through Friday depending on the last digit of your social security number. The number to call depends on your location. Another option is to file your claim online at http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/UI-OnLine/index.htm.
The amount of your benefits is based on your wages for a 12-month period. This 12-month period consists of the first four quarters of the last five calendar quarters. The last quarter or three-month period you worked, will not be part of the calculation. The maximum benefit you can get is $594 per week.
Unemployment in Connecticut continues to improve. For those seeking a new job or a career change, seeking work in a thriving industry is one good way to secure a position. Going where the jobs are increases your chances of being unemployed for just a short-time.
Learn about the types of employment available in CT >>>