Connecticut — Hiring & Onboarding

Connecticut prohibits employers with one or more employees from inquiring about a job applicant's prior arrests, criminal charges, or convictions on an initial employment application. Two exceptions apply: (1) when an applicable state or federal law requires the employer to conduct such an inquiry, and (2) when a security or fidelity bond (or equivalent) is required for the position. The law does not restrict criminal history inquiries made after the initial application is submitted.

Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-51i

Connecticut requires all employers to report newly hired and rehired employees to the Connecticut Department of Labor (DOL) under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-254(b). The statute applies to every employer operating in Connecticut, regardless of size.

Covered individuals

The reporting obligation extends to three categories:

1. New hires: Any individual beginning employment for the first time with the employer.
2. Rehires: Former employees returning to work after a separation of 60 days or more must be reported as new hires.
3. Independent contractors: Independent contractors whose services are valued at $5,000 or more within any 12-month period must be reported. Public Act 03-89 defines such contractors as "employees" and the contracting entity as the "employer" for new hire reporting purposes.

The date of hire is defined as the first day the employee performs compensated services—the first day any work is performed for which the individual will receive wages, commissions, tips, or other compensation.

Reporting deadlines

The DOL imposes different deadlines depending on submission method:

• 20 days from the date of hire when reporting by mail or fax.
• 14 days from the date of hire when reporting electronically (online portal or secure FTP).

Multi-state employers that report new hires from multiple states electronically to a single state may designate Connecticut as their reporting state, but the 14-day electronic deadline applies.

Required data elements

Each new hire report must include:

• Employee information: Full name, address, and Social Security number.
• Employer information: Legal business name, address, and federal employer identification number (FEIN).
• Date of hire (the first compensated service date).

Employers commonly satisfy the requirement by submitting a copy of the employee's completed Connecticut Form CT-W4 (Employee's Withholding Certificate), which contains all required data elements on a single page.

Submission methods

The DOL accepts new hire reports through three channels:

1. Online portal: Employers may submit reports via the Connecticut New Hire Reporting website at ctdol.state.ct.us/newhires, which provides immediate confirmation of receipt.
2. Secure FTP: Large-volume employers and third-party payroll agents may request permission to submit batch files in a prescribed text format; this method also carries the 14-day deadline.
3. Mail or fax: Paper submissions are permitted but trigger the longer 20-day deadline.

The new hire directory supports child support enforcement, reduces fraud in unemployment insurance and workers' compensation systems, and facilitates health insurance enrollment verification under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-254

Source: Connecticut DOL New Hire Reporting