The program is designed to encourage and enable unemployed workers to create their own jobs by starting their own small businesses. Participants receive weekly allowances while they are getting their businesses off the ground. This is a voluntary program for States and, to date, fewer than10 States have established and currently operate Self Employment Assistance programs. In order to receive these benefits, an individual must first be eligible to receive regular unemployment insurance under the State law. Benefits Self-employment allowances are the same weekly amounts as the worker's regular unemployment insurance benefits.
Participants work full-time on starting their business instead of looking for wage and salary jobs.
Filing A Claim You should contact the State Unemployment Insurance agency as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. At the time you file your claim you should ask whether a Self Employment Assistance program operates in your State.