Section 260-RICR-40-05-1.37 - Self-Employment Assistance ProgramA. This rule is intended to clarify the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Program.B. To participate in the Self-Employment Assistance Program an individual must have a viable business idea and be willing to work full-time in developing the business. The proposed business, when established, shall meet all legal requirements with regard to taxes, zoning and other applicable laws.C. Individuals may receive up to 26 weeks of Self-Employment Assistance allowance in lieu of regular benefits or Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC).1. An individual will not be eligible for Emergency Unemployment Compensation if he or she exhausts Self-Employment Assistance in lieu of regular benefits as he or she is not a Unemployment Compensation exhaustee as defined in the Supplemental Appropriation Act, 2008, Pub. L. 110-252, H.R. 2642.2. An Individual receiving Self-Employment Assistance in lieu of Emergency Unemployment Compensation is not required to be identified pursuant to the State worker profiling system as individuals likely to exhaust regular benefits as specified in the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, Pub. L. 112-96, H.R. 3630.3. The Director may terminate participation in the SEA program for failure to meet SEA program requirements. An individual who fails to participate on a full-time basis, as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-44-70(a)(4), in self-employment assistance activities or who fails to actively engage on a full-time basis in activities, which may include training and work assignments related to establishing a business and becoming self-employed is denied benefits for the week the failure occurs; unless, the individual submits an official waiver from the partnering vendor indicating that the individual is meeting the Self-Employment Assistance requirements and participating on a full-time basis, as defined in R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-44-70(a)(4).4. If the Director determines that an individual failed to actively engage in self-employment activities whether scheduled or in general, the individual must be issued an appealable determination.5. An individual must have remaining entitlement to at least 13 weeks of regular benefits or Emergency Unemployment Compensation to be approved for participation in the Self-Employment Assistance Program.6. Self-Employment Assistance allowance will terminate the week in which the individual exhausts his or her balance of regular benefits or Emergency Unemployment Compensation not to exceed 26 weeks.260 R.I. Code R. 260-RICR-40-05-1.37
Amended effective 12/3/2024