Can I receive unemployment benefits if I am self-employed or a gig worker?

No, self-employed individuals and gig workers are typically not eligible for traditional unemployment benefits in Wyoming. Traditional unemployment benefits are designed to provide financial assistance to employees who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. As self-employed individuals and gig workers are considered independent contractors, they are responsible for their own income and are not covered by the state's unemployment insurance system. However, the Department of Workforce Services has implemented the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, which offers unemployment benefits to self-employed, independent contractors, and gig workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible individuals can apply for PUA benefits through the department's online portal, keeping in mind specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.