How WorkShare works for workers

Through the WorkShare program, you can collect partial unemployment benefits to replace some wages lost through your reduced hours.

Overview

WorkShare is designed to help both employers and workers during a temporary slowdown in business. Instead of laying off workers, your employer can apply for the WorkShare program. Under WorkShare, you will work reduced hours and receive unemployment benefits along with your reduced wages. All workers in the same plan must share the same percentage reduction in their regular work hours. Reductions may range from 10% to 60%.

WorkShare program details

• First, your employer develops a WorkShare plan and submits it for approval to the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
• When DUA approves the proposed plan, your employer will notify you that the plan has been approved
• If you don't have an existing unemployment insurance (UI) claim, you must file one
• If you have an existing claim, you must reopen it through your UI Online account
• Your employer is responsible for requesting your weekly benefits each week that you are working reduced hours
• You will receive your WorkShare weekly benefits by check

Note: You're not required to participate in your company's WorkShare program. 

Additional Resources

File for an initial WorkShare claim as a worker

Worker's Guide to WorkShare

Participating in WorkShare for Workers

WorkShare benefits

• You will receive wages equal to the number of hours you work each week
  • If you work 80% of your regular hours, your wages will be reduced by 20%
  • To make up for your reduced wages, you will receive 20% of your weekly unemployment benefit amount
• Your employer must continue to provide the same health insurance benefits
• Your employer will continue to provide your current retirement benefits. Any reduction must be explained by your employer.
• If you are eligible for a dependency allowance, you will receive a percentage of the $25 dependency allowance

WorkShare dependency allowance

The WorkShare program allows an equal percentage of dependent allowances to hours lost. So if you lose 20% of your hours, you can get 20% of the dependency allowance. You may be eligible for the dependency allowance if you are the main support for any child who is:

• Under the age of 18
• Under the age of 24 and a full-time student at an educational institution
• Over the age of 18 and incapacitated due to a mental or physical disability