How does part time work affect unemployment benefits with NYS Department of Labor?
I just started a part-time job that pays about $280 per week and I'm wondering how this will impact my unemployment benefits. I'm currently receiving $375 weekly from NYS Department of Labor. Do I need to report this part-time income when I file my weekly claim? Will they reduce my benefits dollar for dollar or is there some kind of partial benefit calculation? I'm worried about messing up my claim status but I really need the extra income right now.
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Connor O'Neill
Yes, you absolutely must report ALL earnings when you file your weekly claim with NYS Department of Labor. They use a partial benefit formula - for every $1 you earn over $143 (which is 25% of the maximum weekly benefit), they reduce your UI payment by $1. So if you earn $280, that's $137 over the threshold, meaning your $375 benefit would be reduced to $238. You'll still get partial benefits as long as your earnings don't exceed your full weekly benefit amount.
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Zainab Ismail
•Thanks! So I'd get $238 instead of $375, but my total income would be $518 ($280 + $238) which is actually more than just the $375 UI payment. That makes the part-time work worth it financially.
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QuantumQuester
be careful about the work search requirements too - just because you have part time work doesn't mean you can skip looking for full time employment. NYS Department of Labor still expects you to be actively seeking full-time work and you need to log your job contacts.
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Yara Nassar
I had a similar situation last year and the key is being completely honest when you report your earnings. Don't try to hide any income because NYS Department of Labor cross-references with tax records and employers. I was working 20 hours a week at $15/hour and still qualified for partial benefits. The online system calculates everything automatically once you enter your gross earnings for the week.
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Keisha Williams
•How long did it take for your partial benefits to show up? I just reported part-time earnings for the first time and I'm nervous about delays.
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Yara Nassar
•Usually it processes the same as regular weekly claims, so if you certify on Sunday it should be in your account by Wednesday. The system is pretty good at calculating partial benefits automatically now.
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Paolo Ricci
ugh the whole partial benefit thing is so confusing and frustrating! they make it seem like working part time while on unemployment is this great option but then they take away most of your benefits anyway. and god forbid you make a mistake reporting your hours or earnings - then you're stuck in adjudication hell trying to explain everything to some caseworker who probably doesn't even understand the rules themselves.
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Amina Toure
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask questions about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually connects you with real agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. I used it when I was confused about reporting my freelance income and actually got to speak with someone who could explain the partial benefit calculation for my exact circumstances.
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Zainab Ismail
•That sounds helpful! I've been trying to call the regular NYS Department of Labor number but keep getting busy signals or getting hung up on after waiting forever.
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Oliver Zimmermann
Just make sure you understand the difference between gross and net earnings when reporting. Report your gross earnings (before taxes) not what you actually take home. Also if you get tips or commission those count too.
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Luca Esposito
One thing to keep in mind is that your part-time work might actually help your case in the long run - NYS Department of Labor looks favorably on claimants who are actively working and trying to become self-sufficient. As long as you're still available for full-time work and meeting your job search requirements, having part-time employment shows you're making an effort. Plus, you're building work history and potentially networking for future full-time opportunities. Just stay consistent with your reporting and don't let the partial benefit reduction discourage you from working.
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Sophia Rodriguez
•That's a really good point about building work history and networking! I hadn't thought about the long-term benefits beyond just the immediate income. It's reassuring to know that NYS Department of Labor views part-time work positively rather than as trying to "game the system." I'm definitely committed to finding full-time work eventually, so knowing that this part-time job could actually help my case makes me feel better about the whole situation.
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