
In the U.S., you can often get partial unemployment benefits while working part-time if your hours or pay were involuntarily reduced, or if you accepted part-time work while seeking full-time employment. All gross wages must be reported weekly. Benefits decrease with income, but partial payments may continue and can extend your total benefit duration.

Under NYS DOL’s hours-based partial unemployment program, you can work seven days a week without losing full benefits if your weekly hours are 30 or fewer and earnings are below the maximum gross rate, excluding self-employment. Benefits are reduced incrementally based on total weekly hours instead of per day worked.

You may qualify for full or partial unemployment benefits if your part-time wages are less than your weekly benefit. Part-time usually refers to working under 40 hours per week. When certifying, you must report all gross wages, including part-time earnings before taxes or deductions, even if they appear smaller than your benefit amount.


