PA UC benefits for self-employed partner in FL business - any options?

Unfortunately, your friend is likely in a tough spot. Generally, self-employed individuals (including partners in a business) aren't eligible for regular UC benefits in Pennsylvania. The state where the business operates (Florida) is typically where any wage credits would be established, but since he's self-employed, that's mostly irrelevant. He should still contact the PA UC office to confirm, but he should prepare for the possibility that he won't qualify for traditional unemployment. He might want to look into: 1. Self-Employment Assistance programs (if PA offers one) 2. Small Business Administration resources for closed businesses 3. Workforce development programs in PA

has he actually tried filing a claim yet? I went thru something kinda similar when my consulting business tanked in 2023. The UC website was super confusing about self-employed ppl but i called and a rep helped me figure out my options. It took FOREVERRR to get through tho. Literally called like 50+ times

I think most people don't kno that self employed people USUALLY dont qualify for unemployment benefits in most states!!! I found this out the hard way when my Etsy shop failed in 2024 and I couldn't get any help. So annoying!!!

The key question is whether your friend ever paid into the UC system through this business partnership. In PA, the general rule is that business owners/partners don't qualify for UC benefits because they don't pay UC taxes on their earnings (they're not employees). However, there are a few exceptions worth exploring: 1. If the partnership was structured in a way that he received W-2 wages (some partnerships do this), he might qualify based on those wages. 2. If he had other W-2 employment during his base year period (roughly the 15 months before applying), he might qualify based on those earnings, even if the self-employment doesn't count. 3. During the pandemic, there were special programs for self-employed individuals (PUA), but those have ended and were specific to COVID impacts. His best bet is to contact the PA UC office directly to discuss his specific situation. The state where he resides (PA) would be where he applies, not where the business operated (FL).

i went thru this exact thing in 2020 when covid hit but back then they had PUA for self employed ppl. that program ended tho so now ur friend is probably outta luck tbh

wait what about that program for Disaster Unemployment Assistance? i think that covers self employed sometimes

Update on my earlier comment: I just checked the PA UC rules again, and your friend should definitely file a claim even if he thinks he might be ineligible. Here's why: 1. The process will determine definitively if he qualifies rather than guessing 2. If he had ANY W-2 income in the base period, he might qualify for at least partial benefits 3. There's no penalty for applying and being denied 4. Sometimes unique situations (like cross-state partnerships) have exceptions He'll need to be prepared to submit documentation about the partnership dissolution, any prior W-2 employment, and possibly proof of PA residency. If denied, he'll receive a written determination explaining why, which is valuable information for exploring other assistance options.

def agree with everyone saying JUST APPLY!! let them tell u no instead of assuming. and when you call make sure to ask specifically about any special programs for self-employed ppl. sometimes the first person u talk to doesnt know everything

Tell ur friend to look into CareerLink services too if he's in PA. When I got denied UC they referred me there and I got help with job training and resume stuff. Not cash benefits but at least something.