What is Pathway to Work (self-employment), New Hampshire?
Keep your weekly unemployment benefit while you work full time on a new business, with training and SBDC counseling, no work search, and business income not deducted. Apply early: within 60 days of your first claim.
The key facts
- Apply within 60 days of your first claim, with at least 18 weeks of benefits left
- Weekly amount = your unemployment benefit (up to $427 in 2026); counts against your 26 weeks
- Start with the mandatory orientation at a local NHWorks office, bringing form NHES 0401
- Places are capped at 2.5% of claimants
Before you’re approved
Job search requiredJob search
Until you are accepted in writing, you are on regular unemployment: keep searching for work every week.
What you must do to keep getting it
- Apply within 60 days of your first claim, with at least 18 weeks of benefits left. Start with the orientation at a local NHWorks office (bring form NHES 0401).
- Do NOT start trading before written acceptance.
If you take or turn down a job: Refusing suitable work can disqualify you from benefits. Only apply for jobs you would take.
While you’re on it
No job search requiredJob search
Once accepted, the work search, availability and job-refusal rules are waived. You work full time on the business.
What you must do to keep getting it
- Keep certifying every week and complete the required training and counseling.
- Missing training or milestones can cost you weeks of benefit or your place.
If you earn money
Your weekly benefit isn’t reduced by what your business earns. Keep certifying and reporting as your state asks.
If you take or turn down a job: Taking a job ends Self-Employment Assistance; report it when you certify.
The other route
You can’t be on both at once. Compare them before you choose.
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Cite this page
"What is Pathway to Work (self-employment), New Hampshire?", Pontia, https://pontia.xyz/us/guide/sea-nh/ (updated September 25, 2026)
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