It is not too late!
The uncertainty of the times continues. New Hampshire is seeing an almost healthy tourist season so far this fall, but art tours and festivals are all on hold in our region. With the loss of income from sales, gigs, and other opportunities, we are hearing from a lot of independent artists that they’re not sure how to sustain.
We are currently encouraging artists to apply for unemployment. This will be especially important if we see an additional stimulus package that sends out extra support to those who have lost income. Individuals should be in the system to prevent last minute hassles, crashes, and missed opportunities. Here’s what to do:
SELF EMPLOYED ARTISTS & FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES - FILE!
Self-employed are currently eligible for Unemployment Benefits. You will need either your 2019 federal tax return or 1099s. Don’t worry, if you don’t have either or have not yet filed your 2019 return. You can still submit your claim. If eligible you will receive the federal minimum benefit. Don’t worry, if you don’t have either or have not yet filed your 2019 return you can still submit your claim. If eligible, you will receive the federal minimum benefit. This may also make you eligible for any future federal stimulus program that enhances unemployment.
PART TIME OR A SURPRISE GIG/ BIT OF INCOME
You may be still eligible for unemployment benefits if you are working part time or if you receive a one time payment for a gig or a sale. Your work and earnings from your part time employment continue to need to be reported to the department on your weekly claim. The earnings will then be reviewed to determine whether you still qualify for an unemployment benefit for each week. We recommend you don’t let the automated system make these decisions for you - but that you follow up with a real person over the phone or over email to let them know the payment is part time or a one time source of income.
NH UNEMPLOYMENT HOTLINE
(603) 271-7700. The hours of operation for the hotline are currently the following: Monday- Friday 8:00am-5:00pm
START YOUR CLAIM
There is a 4-minute video with instructions, and also step by step written instructions with visual guides here: https://www.unemploymentbenefits.nh.gov/file-my-initial-claim
REMEMBER, BE PERSISTENT!
In the spring, the NH unemployment online system was not calibrated to handle self-employed claims. It would issue a rejection, but applicants would get a follow up email to request additional information and would then be approved. In the case that this has not been addressed, please be prepared to receive an inaccurate rejection, then follow up via phone or by instructions provided to you.