Can I Draw Unemployment If I Work Part Time?

You can work part time while receiving unemployment benefits.

Unemployment is a benefit in the United States that allows willing and able workers to draw an income while searching for work. Laid off workers or workers who have quit for a good reason may enjoy these benefits until adequate employment is found. Workers are eligible to receive these benefits for a predetermined amount of time before experiencing the hardship of transitioning between jobs.

Earnings Chart

While receiving unemployment you may work part time as long as it does not exceed the predetermined earnings chart. This chart is set into place to allow workers to earn extra income to supplement the unemployment benefits until you find full-time work. This chart may indicate a dollar value or the percentage of your total weekly unemployment benefits. The predetermined amount varies from state to state, but is available through your local unemployment office.

Benefit Reduction

The amount you receive weekly from your part-time job may reduce your unemployment benefit. In some instances, it may not reduce your unemployment amount at all. On the other hand, you may lose unemployment benefits if you are receiving benefits from the loss of a part-time job and gain employment with another part-time job.

Commitments

While working part-time you will still need to actively search for full-time work. Additionally, if there are any other requirements to maintain your benefits, such as specific training, you will need to continue this process to keep receiving unemployment. You must also declare the amount you earned for the week during each weekly certification.

Eligibility Period

Part-time employment, while receiving unemployment, will increase the amount of weeks you can receive benefits. For example, if you are entitled to 52 weeks of benefits, you may run out before the 52-week mark if you bring in the full amount each week. If working part time and you receive a reduction in benefits, you may continue to draw unemployment the entire 52 weeks. If there is any entitlement remaining, indicate your part-time work status when it is time to submit a new claim.

References

• Employment Security Department: Frequently Asked Questions About Unemployment Benefits
• Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Unemployment Claims Help
• State of Idaho Department of Labor: Questions & Answers About Unemployment Insurance