Connecticut Department of Labor, Unemployment Insurance
Connecticut · Unemployment
portal.ct.gov/dol/unemployment-benefitsState Unemployment Benefits in Connecticut
The Connecticut Department of Labor administers unemployment compensation through ReEmployCT, the state's online claims and benefits system. When a claimant dies leaving unpaid benefits, Conn. Gen. Stat. 31-227(c) lets the administrator pay them, at his discretion, through the small-estate affidavit procedure in Conn. Gen. Stat. 45a-273. Report the death to the Consumer Contact Center to close out the claim.
Steps to take when someone dies
Required Documents
- Small-estate affidavit in lieu of administration: if the estate qualifies for the section 45a-273 small-estate route. Filed in the Probate Court for the district where the decedent resided.
State Unemployment Benefits in Connecticut: key facts
What Connecticut says3
- Benefits at and after the death
Section 31-227(c) provides that when a benefit claimant dies leaving unpaid benefits due, the administrator may, in his discretion, pay them in the manner set forth in section 45a-273, the small-estate affidavit.1
Under section 31-227(c), that payment discharges the administrator from liability to any person on account of the benefits.1
Section 45a-273 is the small-estate affidavit filed in the Probate Court for the district where the decedent resided, available where solely owned personal property does not exceed $40,000 and there was no solely owned Connecticut real property.2
- Overpayments
CTDOL lists the claimant's death as a circumstance that may support a waiver of a non-fraud overpayment: "in the event of the claimant's death as requested by the claimant's estate."3
Waivers are considered for non-fraud overpayments only, and the questionnaire and hearing request must be returned to CTDOL within 14 days of the mail date on the pre-determination letter.3
- Claimant portal
Claims and benefits are handled through ReEmployCT, the state's online system at reemployct.dol.ct.gov.4
Governing law: Conn. Gen. Stat. 31-227(c); 45a-273
Deadlines1
- Return the overpayment-waiver questionnaire and hearing request to CTDOL
within 14 days of the mail date on the pre-determination letter3
Other offices involved1
- Connecticut Probate Court for the decedent's district
Receives the section 45a-273 small-estate affidavit through which unpaid benefits may be paid2
Not in Connecticut's published guidance1
- A deceased-claimant procedure page
Connecticut unemployment benefits
Connecticut Department of Labor, Unemployment Insurance
Phone
Consumer Contact Center
Consumer Contact Center
Hours
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Connecticut
Free tools for settling an estate in Connecticut: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Connecticut: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysC.G.S. § 45a-341 (extendable to 4 months for cause, § 45a-341(b)(2)); Probate Court Rules §§ 30.12, 30.14; Form PC-2407Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 5 monthsC.G.S. §§ 45a-354, 45a-356, 45a-357, 45a-358, 45a-363, 45a-365, 45a-375Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Connecticut requires a final state income tax return for the decedent alongside the federal Form 1040Conn. Gen. Stat. § 12-700Verified Sep 20, 2026View source; a federal estate tax return (Form 706) is required only for estates above $15,000,00026 USC 2001(c), 2010; P.L. 119-21 §70106Verified Sep 15, 2026View source.
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