Partial unemployment benefits - everything you need to know
The coronavirus pandemic has led to huge numbers of American workers losing their jobs or seeing their hours greatly reduced due to a lack of available work. Fortunately, even if you’ve been able to find part-time work, you can still receive partial unemployment insurance.
Just like full-time unemployment benefits, the qualifications and requirements will vary by state, so you’ll need to check your state’s website or call a representative to find out specific information. However, here’s a general guideline on what exactly partial unemployment means and how you can claim it.
What is partial unemployment?
Partial unemployment is a way to provide some of the benefits of regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits to those who lost their job but found part-time work or had their work hours reduced.
Am I eligible for partial unemployment?
There are several scenarios that would make you eligible for partial unemployment benefits.
- You’re still employed but your hours were reduced due to a lack of work.
- You lost your full-time job but were able to find part-time work while still looking for full-time employment.
- You were working a part-time job to begin with and lost that job.
You’ll need to check with your state’s website for specific eligibility requirements, but generally, if you lost your job or had your hours reduced through no fault of your own, you probably qualify for unemployment. You must also meet your state’s base period requirements, meaning you worked for a minimum amount of time and earned a certain amount.
How do I collect partial unemployment?
You should apply for unemployment as soon as you lose your job. Just like with regular unemployment insurance, you’ll need to be ready, willing, and able to work, and actively seeking employment.
If your hours were reduced, then your employer may be required to file on behalf of you. Check with your state’s website to verify what is needed to apply for unemployment insurance and how to certify your weekly claims.
[Read a general guide to unemployment benefits here] (https://www.jobcase.com/articles/guide-to-unemployment-benefits)
How much money will I get?
How much you receive will depend on several factor determined by your state. Typically, once the state has determined what your full-time unemployment benefit rate would be, it would then subtract what you’re currently earning from that number. Massachusetts currently has the highest maximum payout for full-time unemployment at $855/week, while the lowest is Mississippi at $235/week.
For instance, New York recently changed its determination from number of days worked to number of hours worked. So if you worked 11-20 hours in one week, you would receive 50 percent of the full unemployment rate.
Some states, like New York, have online calculators to help you figure out how much money you’ll be receiving, so start your search there. If there’s no calculator and you’re unable to determine what your payment will be, contact your state's unemployment agency directly.
Have you received partial unemployment benefits? Share your experience in the comments
Comments
I am unemployed now due to be under a doc care can't work because of work restrictions I still have not got unemployment been at work since April 20th just got the pin number have not been able to file just got paperwork to get a doctor's note have on the paperwork still have not received a penny
Everyone is talking about not getting unemployment and how not being able to get it for whatever reason. Like someone said if you don’t pay in you can’t expect to get anything out. Everyone is going to have to retire from a job. If you don’t put anything in don’t expect to get money in the future for retirement.
Been laid off back on 02/28/2021. Applied for unemployment benefits. To date 05/12/2021, I'm on denied status right now, sent in all required documents. Filled out APPEAL APPLICATION. People in offices act like if "THEIR MONIES"
I only get UI extension 3.25mo $247 a week here at Concord CA but thanks to add'l $300 a week from PUA it helps but not sure for how long Been looking for any local job since Oct 25, 2020 but never got chosen maybe becoz I'm 57 yrs old :(
I live in Wyoming and tried to get unemployment. First they told me how much I was getting then turned around and denied me for I did not work for at least 90 days since my denial from my previous job. If it were up to me I would still be working but the company let me go. Not my fault and now I can’t pay my bills cuz I was denied the unemployment What am I supposed to do until I can get another job ????
Kenneth Bryan all forms were filled out for continuation after 4/6/2021 however did not get any money .went to Office in Palm Beach they say I qualify but state is not paying us .Did they run out of funds?
Her sentences are horrible! Go back to school ASAP! (As soon as possible) or ask God to give you guidance to write
Another person here to complain about not getting UIB. We pay for UIB so that when we need it, we can rely on it. For all those employers whining about people not wanting to work bc they'd rather collect unemployment, try raising the wages and not keeping all the money at the top.
I applied for Unemployment in 2020 Individual because refused to applied on my behalf during covid 19. I ask God for guidance went online file a claim answer all questions honestly, explain why you're applying. I believe less two weeks was approved. I encourage everyone who is applied don't quit or give up, continue calling , emails or reapplied Unemployment office until to you received answer approved or denied. God bless you all!
That's ok claimed benefits still waiting for pending monetary 8 wks still owed for 7weeks from Jan/Feb GLITCH AGAIN desantis has to do something other than press conferences