Connecticut offers $1,000 bonus to unemployed people who find jobs

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced Monday that the state will dole out one-time direct payments of $1,000 to 10,000 “long-term unemployed” residents who find work before the end of 2021.

Lamont said in a statement that residents who submitted an unemployment benefits claim for the last full week of May will be eligible to potentially receive the cash bonus if they find employment lasting at least eight weeks before the end of the year.

“This is the latest tool in our toolbox to maximize our state’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” Lamont said.

“We have already proposed millions of new investment in programs aimed at supporting our residents when it comes to workforce development, one of the largest expansions in affordable childcare in our state’s history, and investment in our urban centers aimed at providing more opportunity that will lead to stronger communities,” the governor added.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the cash bonuses would be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis or through a random drawing, but applicants will be able to register for the direct payments on the website of the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services in the upcoming weeks, according to the statement.

The move was criticized by the top Republican in Connecticut’s state House, according to The Associated Press.

“Persuading people to give up one government benefit with promise of another one is a little like a dog chasing its tail,” state Rep. Vincent Candelora (R) said, referring to unemployment benefits.