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Did you know you can work part time and still get partial unemployment benefits?
Part-time jobs can help during your job search
There are good reasons to get a part-time job while getting benefits. If you get one, you may be able to spread your benefits out over more weeks. A part-time job could also make you more financially secure while you look for a full-time one. It might even be a stepping stone to full-time work.
What we mean by “partial benefits”
When you work part time while claiming benefits, we reduce weekly payments based on how much you earn each week. You can check the earning deduction chart (PDF, 229 KB) to see how this will affect you. This does not reduce your total available benefits, it extends how long you can submit claims within your benefit year.
Part-time work and job search requirements
If you are claiming benefits and working part-time, you still need to meet the job search requirements. The exceptions are if you are getting benefits from SharedWork or are partially employed.
But, if you did not work more than 17 hours in any week in your base year, you are part-time eligible. That means you may only look for part-time work.
SharedWork can help when your hours are reduced
Your employer might temporarily reduce your hours during an economic downturn. If you are only working between 50 and 90% of your usual work hours, the SharedWork program can help. If you’re in this situation, let your employer know about the program. If your employer signs up, you could get partial benefits while your hours are reduced.