NHLRA Conference Call with NH Employment Security

Deputy Commissioner of NH Employment Security, Richard Lavers, discusses the most recent guidance on UI benefits, hiring workers back, and the Workshare Program. Recorded on May 12, 2020.

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Governor's Order on Unemployment

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Who is eligible for unemployment benefits?

All employees and business owners who have lost their jobs or had their hours cut due to the COVID-19 outbreak are eligible for unemployment benefits. Tipped employees are eligible for unemployment based on total amount of wages claimed. ​When filling out the unemployment form, they should claim their hourly base wage and New Hampshire Employment Security will calculate their benefit amount based on all wages claimed.

What if I'm self-employed?

Those who are self-employed and filing a claim for unemployment have a two step process to be approved.

1. If you file a claim like a typical employee, this will result in an automatic denial because you are self employed. Disregard this and go to step 2.
2. File a Request for Income Form and email to the email address on the form. In order to process your claim for unemployment, you will need your wage information to process. Next complete your unemployment claim. You will receive a second decision after your wage is entered.

Once these steps are completed, your claim should be processed as any other unemployment application would be.

How do I file for unemployment?

There are two ways to file a claim for Unemployment Benefits:
ONLINE: File a new claim or refile your existing claim anytime using the New Hampshire Employment Security online claim system.
​PHONE: Contact Unemployment Assistance Hotline at (603) 271-7700 to file a new claim or refile your claim during normal business hours.

Will my unemployment insurance rate skyrocket?

No, unemployment compensation benefits paid due to COVID-19 related layoffs will be charged against the unemployment compensation trust fund and not assigned against the account of the most recent employer.