1. I don’t live in Oregon, can I be in SEA?If you
have an Oregon Unemployment Insurance claim, and you live close enough to access
Oregon WIOA Services and/or Small Business Development Network
facilities, then you can apply.
2. My claim is against another state. Can I participate in SEA?Not
unless your liable state has a functioning SEA program. You must
check to see if they will allow you to participate if you are now living
in another state.
3. Can I apply for extended benefits?If
Oregon is in a period of extended benefits, you can apply for a federal
extension, but you will have to drop out of the SEA program and return to
looking for work.
4. I am just about to receive my Securities’s license; can I be in SEA if I don’t have my state license yet?You
can request an exception to the rule regarding
state licensure if you are close to having the license in hand (e.g. 2
weeks).Exceptions are handled on a case-by-case basis.
5. What kinds of businesses are prohibited?No
specific businesses are prohibited by rule, but Small
Business Development Counselors are advised to only approve applications for businesses that are legal in Oregon, are
appropriate for government sponsorship, and compatible within
their particular neighborhood. Some businesses that are legal in
bordering states (e.g., Nevada) are not legal in Oregon.
7. If I am denied for SEA is there an appeal process?Yes, your denial letter will include instructions for an appeal.
8. How much money can I make through my business and still maintain my weekly benefit payments?There
is no limit on how much money you can earn from your own private
enterprise while you participate in SEA. You must report your earnings,
but they are not deducted from your weekly payments. If you work for
another employer, those earnings will be deducted.
9. If I am going to be a general contractor, do I have to have my state license before applying for SEA?You
must have a State of Oregon Contractor’s License in hand if it is a prerequisite of conducting the kind of
business that you will operate.
Local business licenses or franchise certifications are not covered under this rule.
10. Will I get extra weeks of benefits on SEA?No.
Your remaining balance is all that you will receive (e.g.,
if you start SEA in your fourth week of unemployment, and you began
with 26 weeks maximum benefits, you will have 22 weeks of benefits
remaining).
11. Do I have to have my business plan completed before I am accepted to SEA?Your
business plan is normally due to the UI Special Programs Center within 45
days of acceptance to the program. Only your SEA application is needed to
begin the approval process.
12. What am I required to do after I am approved for the program?You will need to submit a SEA Weekly Claim Certification on a weekly basis. You can download the form
here.
Be
sure to check your remaining Unemployment Insurance benefits balance periodically so you'll know how many weeks you have left in SEA.