If I am a corporate officer or principal in an ongoing business, am I eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits? If you are still in business and have just stopped paying yourself a salary, you will not be eligible for unemployment benefits as you are not unemployed.No. Even if the corporation is a shell with no assets or ongoing business it prevents you from collecting unemployment compensation. If you operate a part-time corporate business while you are employed full-time, you may be entitled to unemployment benefits if you lose your full-time job. To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Because of this, the Unemployment Insurance Division has specific regulations for these individuals when seeking unemployment benefits. Once your benefits run out, you cannot file another claim until your oneyear claim period is up. A corporate officer's eligibility for unemployment benefits depends on whether you provide voluntary coverage. They are subject to the Connecticut Unemployment Compensation Law, as are other corporations. For questions or concerns about your UC claim, please call PAULA virtual assistance at .