Most Connecticut residents claiming unemployment benefits must report their work search efforts to the state Department of Labor beginning Wednesday when they file their weekly claims in order to avoid being denied benefits. The required work searches, which include employer contacts, job training and other activities, had been suspended during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike in other states, the $300-weekly supplemental federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is still available to qualified Connecticut filers. That and other federal unemployment programs established during the pandemic are scheduled to expire on Sept. 4. State unemployment benefits programs will remain available.
