How to Make Money Without Interrupting My Unemployment

You can work part-time without affecting your unemployment.

When you're between permanent jobs, living on unemployment alone may not always be enough---your benefits are generally less than half of your former working wages. If you need to make extra money to stay afloat, though, you can do so without interrupting your unemployment. The exact amount that you can earn without affecting your unemployment varies depending on where you live, but checking with your state government helps you determine your amount.

Instructions

1. Find out how much you can earn by checking with your state's Department of Labor. For example, in Pennsylvania, you can earn up to 40 percent of your weekly benefit before it affects your unemployment---if your unemployment pays $150 per week, you could earn an additional $90 per week on your own.

2. Apply for part-time jobs with limited availability. Even if your search for full-time employment is not working out, you may be able to find a job working one or two days per week, earning just enough to avoid a conflict with your unemployment. Search the local classifieds for part-time opportunities.

3. Sell personal belongings. By either holding a garage sale or using Internet-based auction sites, you can sell expendable belongings like memorabilia, collectibles, jewelry and electronics to pick up extra money.

4. Check local classifieds and bulletin boards for odd job opportunities. Seasonal work like cutting grass and shoveling snow gives you the opportunity to make extra money, though not necessarily enough to interrupt your unemployment. Odd jobs like these typically pay in cash, as well.

References

• In York: Surviving Job Loss: How to Get Unemployment Benefits
• Botweety Company Inc.: FAQ's
• PA Dept. of Labor & Industry: Partial Benefit Credit
• MSN Money: Can You Live On $330 a Week?