Are you working part-time despite wanting to work full-time? Have your hours been reduced? Depending on your situation and location, you may be eligible for partial unemployment benefits.
Eligibility for Partial Unemployment Benefits
Partial unemployment benefits are available for both the unemployed and part-time workers. Partial unemployment benefits allow those who are still working to claim assistance as well.
If your hours have been reduced or you are working part-time and cannot find additional work, you may qualify for partial unemployment benefits. Several circumstances may make a person eligible for assistance:
- An employee whose hours have been reduced from full-time to part-time work.
- A worker who is working part-time or is only able to find part-time work instead of being laid off.
- A person who lost their full-time job or even one of their part-time jobs and could only find part-time or temporary work may also meet the requirements to receive benefits.
Note: Eligibility for partial unemployment benefits is determined according to state law.
Requirements for Collecting Partial Unemployment Benefits
The type of work and the number of hours worked are not the only factors determining partial unemployment benefits.
Depending on the state, you must meet a minimum income level or a certain number of hours worked before you are eligible for unemployment benefits. For example, in New York, workers must meet the following requirements:
- You must have worked and earned enough wages in covered employment.
- You must be ready, willing, and able to work, and actively seeking work during every week you apply for benefits.
To collect partial unemployment benefits in New York, you can work up to seven days a week without losing all of your benefits for that week, if you work 30 hours or less and earn $504 or less in total wages, excluding earnings from self-employment. Benefits will be gradually reduced based on the total hours worked for the week.
Again, your state’s laws will vary. Regardless of the specifics, these requirements are usually similar across all types of unemployment benefits initiatives. Finally, a person must be ready and able to work more hours.
Note: Check with your state’s unemployment office for information on partial unemployment qualifications, how to apply, how to report wages, and collect benefits.
When Can’t You Apply for Partial Unemployment Benefits?
Generally, voluntary reasons for reducing hours are not sufficient to collect partial unemployment benefits. Therefore, for example, the following reasons may not be accepted:
- Reducing hours to return to school or gain additional training.
- Working a reduced schedule to meet childcare or other care needs.
- Resigning from a full-time job and taking a part-time job that pays less than the previous job.
In any case, it may make sense to apply anyway. Your state’s unemployment office will be able to tell you if you are eligible to receive benefits – and you won’t know until you try.
How Much Money Will You Receive?
Each state will determine your benefit amount based on several factors. Many state unemployment agencies have online calculators for individuals who qualify to get an idea of their potential benefits.
The state typically determines a reasonable and sustainable weekly amount and then subtracts the amount you earn each week. Note: Many states allow benefit seekers to keep a portion of what they earn without reducing their benefit amount, to encourage employment. The difference between the amount set initially by the state and your wages is your weekly partial unemployment benefit.
When
The claimant receives partial benefits; the unemployment claim will be extended until the claimant receives the maximum amount of benefits specified by the state, or until the end of the remaining benefit year, whichever occurs first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you apply for unemployment benefits?
In most states, unemployed workers can apply online, by phone, or by completing a paper form. The easiest way to apply (and file weekly claims) is online at your state’s unemployment website. It will tell you what information you need to provide and guide you through the application process.
Will my employer be notified if I apply for unemployment benefits?
Employers are notified when a former (or current) employee applies for unemployment. This gives the employer the opportunity to contest the claim in cases of misconduct, termination, or other factors that disqualify the individual from receiving benefits.
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Sources:
New York State Department of Labor. “Get Unemployment Assistance.”
New York State Department of Labor. “Partial Unemployment Eligibility.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-are-partial-unemployment-benefits-2062054
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