Learn About Partial Unemployment Benefits

Learn About Partial Unemployment BenefitsLearn About Partial Unemployment BenefitsAre you working part-time, despite wanting full-time work? Depending on your situation and location, you may be eligible for partial unemployment benefits. In some states, an unemployed worker can sometimes receive partial benefits if they work less than a full week and earn a certain amount of money and if they meet other requirements. Eligibility for Partial Unemployment Benefits Partial unemployment benefits are available to both unemployed and part-time employees. Most people who collect unemployment are out of work, but partial unemployment benefits allow those who are still working to claim aid as well. If your hours have been reduced or you are working part-time and canbedrngnis find additional work, you may be eligible for partial unemployment benefits. There are several circumstances that may make a person eligible for assistance A worker may be underemployed or working part-time as the on ly alternative to being laid off or made redundant.A person who lost their full-time job or even one of two part-time jobs and was only able to find part-time or temporary work may also meet the requirements to receive benefits. Eligibility for partial unemployment benefits is determined by state law. Although benefit eligibility varies, most states agree that a worker who voluntarily chooses to cut back on hours or work part-time is notlage eligible for partial unemployment benefits. Requirements for Collecting The type of employment and number of working hours are not the only determinants for partial unemployment benefits. Depending on the state, you must meet a minimum earning level or a certain number of hours worked before you are eligible. For example, in New York State, workers must meet the following requirements Have worked (and been paid) for two quarters in a base period (essentially, one year before filing)Have been paid $2,400 in wages during one of these quarters, as of 2019Have earned one-and-a-half times your high-quarter wages during the entire base period Again, your state laws will vary. Regardless of the specifics, these requirements are usually the same for all types of unemployment benefit initiatives. Finally, a person must be ready and able to work more hours. When Cant You File for Partial Unemployment? In general, voluntary reasons to reduce working hours are not sufficient for collecting partial unemployment. So, for example, these reasons likely wont make the cut Cutting your working hours to return to school or acquire additional training.Working a reduced schedule to accommodate childcare or other caregiving needs.Quitting your full-time work and acquiring a part-time job that doesnt pay as much as your previous employment. Regardless, it may make sense to file anyway. Your state unemployment sekretariat will be able to tell you whether youre entitled to receive benefits and you never know until you try. Figuring Out How Much Money Youll Receive Each state will determine your benefit payout based on several factors. Many state unemployment agencies have online calculators for eligible individuals to get an idea of their potential benefit. Typically, the state determines a reasonable, sustainable, weekly value and then subtracts the amount you are already working each week. Many states will allow benefit seekers to keep some of what they earn without reducing their benefit payout to encourage employment. The difference between the states initial determined value and your wages is your weekly partial unemployment benefit. When a claimant receives partial benefits, the unemployment claim will be extended until the claimant receives the maximum benefit amount determined by the state, or until the benefit year ends, whichever occurs first. Where Unemployment Benefits Come From Unemployment benefits are issued by each State Agency that focuses on employment. Both partial and regular unemployment benefits are funded by the employing companys state tax withholdings based on employee wages. In other words, a fixed percentage of each employees wages are paid by the company. While employers are not necessarily charged for unemployment benefits after the fact, they are notified when an employee files for an unemployment benefit. This is to prevent fraud by giving the employer the opportunity to contest the claim in the case of misconduct, termination, or a change in roles. Employees cannot be fired for filing a partial unemployment claim. Check with your state unemployment office website for information on partial unemployment benefits in your location. The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own states laws or the most recent changes to the law.