Working while receiving unemployment benefits

In certain circumstances, if you find work, you may still qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. The weekly benefit amount you receive may be adjusted based on how much you earn.

If you work during weeks in which you request unemployment insurance benefits, you may still be paid benefits if your gross wages (total wages before taxes are deducted) are less than your weekly benefit amount. Any earnings greater than 1/3 of your weekly benefit amount (known as your earnings exclusion) will be deducted dollar-for-dollar from your weekly benefit payment.

You must report any changes in your unemployment status while you are receiving benefits. It is your responsibility to report all your earnings when requesting weekly benefits.

Please note that if you work full-time hours in any given week, you will be considered employed "full-time" regardless of wages, and you will not be eligible for benefits for that week. You are considered employed full-time if you are working the customary full-time schedule in your job or occupation.

Benefits calculator

This calculator helps you estimate how your benefits may be affected by working part-time. It is only advisory, and actual adjustments may vary depending on your specific situation. 

Calculating your weekly benefit amount while working part time

Step 1: Calculate your earnings exclusion

Example: Your weekly benefit amount is $270 and your weekly wages earned (before taxes) from your part-time job are $120

Weekly benefit amount	$270
Earnings exclusion	$90 (because 1/3 of $270 is $90)
Weekly wages	$120
Wages over the maximum allowed	$30 (because $120 - $90 = $30)

Step 2: Calculate your reduced weekly benefit amount

Weekly benefit amount	$270
Wages over the maximum allowed	$30
Reduced weekly benefit amount	$240 (because $270 - $30 = $240)

In this example, your reduced weekly benefit amount is $240.