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

No, self-employed individuals are generally not eligible to receive unemployment benefits in Utah. Unemployment benefits are designed to provide temporary financial assistance to workers who have lost their jobs due to circumstances beyond their control, such as layoffs or business closures. Since self-employed individuals do not have employers who pay into the state unemployment insurance system, they are typically excluded from receiving unemployment benefits. However, individuals who operate as independent contractors may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) through the federal CARES Act, which was implemented to aid those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. PUA provides benefits to individuals who are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance, including self-employed individuals and gig workers.