Can I receive unemployment benefits if I am self-employed?

No, self-employed individuals are generally not eligible to receive unemployment benefits in Ohio. Unemployment benefits are provided to individuals who have become unemployed through no fault of their own and have paid into the state's unemployment insurance system through payroll taxes. Since self-employed individuals do not pay into the system, they are not eligible for these benefits. However, it is worth noting that self-employed individuals may be eligible for other forms of assistance, such as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program established under the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provides unemployment benefits to individuals who are usually ineligible, including self-employed individuals, freelancers, gig workers, and independent contractors.