Are self-employed individuals eligible for unemployment benefits?

No, self-employed individuals are generally not eligible for unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits are intended for individuals who have lost their job due to no fault of their own and are actively seeking new employment. Self-employed individuals, by definition, work for themselves and are not considered employees of a company or organization. Therefore, they do not pay into the unemployment insurance system and are not eligible to receive benefits when their business experiences a downturn or they are unable to find customers or clients. However, self-employed individuals may have other options available to them such as business loans or grants during times of economic uncertainty or specific government programs designed to support small businesses. It is recommended to consult with a tax advisor or relevant resources for more information on available assistance for self-employed individuals.