The answer is no, or not really, depending on which country you are from. In the UK you can claim a contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance if you have paid enough National Insurance contributions (NICs). The Jobcentre Plus can pay this for up to 182 days (six months). Generally though, self-employed contributions will not help you qualify for this allowance, unless in special circumstances.
In America it's more of the same. Unlike the UK, the welfare provision is not as extensive. Care and welfare is private and self-funded in most cases. Self-employed workers or freelancers who lose their income are not eligible for unemployment benefits. That's because usually employers contribute into an unemployment benefit fund. If you're self employed often it's a case that those payments don't happen. Even if you did there's a limit to how much it will pay out.
Regardless, when you become unemployed it is important to file an unemployment claim as quickly as possible. The quicker the application, the quicker the assistance, so long as you're eligible.
You can get assistance if you were unemployed as the result of a major disaster. You would be eligible for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance. If you're unsure about your eligibility you should check with your State Unemployment Office. They will determine if you are or not.
If you are out of work but want to become self employed then there is a federal government 'Self Employed Assistance program, which offers unemployed workers, in certain states, benefits to help start up a business.
In America it's more of the same. Unlike the UK, the welfare provision is not as extensive. Care and welfare is private and self-funded in most cases. Self-employed workers or freelancers who lose their income are not eligible for unemployment benefits. That's because usually employers contribute into an unemployment benefit fund. If you're self employed often it's a case that those payments don't happen. Even if you did there's a limit to how much it will pay out.
Regardless, when you become unemployed it is important to file an unemployment claim as quickly as possible. The quicker the application, the quicker the assistance, so long as you're eligible.
You can get assistance if you were unemployed as the result of a major disaster. You would be eligible for the Disaster Unemployment Assistance. If you're unsure about your eligibility you should check with your State Unemployment Office. They will determine if you are or not.
If you are out of work but want to become self employed then there is a federal government 'Self Employed Assistance program, which offers unemployed workers, in certain states, benefits to help start up a business.
