Are consultants eligible to collect unemployment?

[MichaelChang]

I've been out of work for a while now. Been a consultant for the past 10 years or so paid either on a corp to corp or 1099. I almost hate to collect unemployment but I have to keep the lights on. Is it an option?

[XSleeper]

As I understand it, you can only file for unemployment if you worked for an employer who paid unemployment insurance and you were his employee, not a sub-contractor. If you are self employed, the only way you can collect is if you are incorporated and have been paying into unemployment insurance.

[MichaelChang]

I figured as much, thanks