Unemployment for Self-Employed and Gig Workers in Pennsylvania

Self-employment does not count as base-year employment for financial eligibility, and independent contractors are considered self-employed. A worker is self-employed only if free from control or direction over the work, both under the contract and in fact, and customarily engaged in an independently established trade or business. If you say you were an employee but the employer says you were self-employed, the employer must prove both factors. You are ineligible for any week you are engaged in self-employment; starting a new business begins with the first positive step, such as advertising or renting an office. An exception applies to a sideline business that meets a four-part test (the claimant must prove it). If you are found ineligible due to self-employment, you may qualify again later after working and earning at least six times your weekly benefit rate.