Working while receiving unemployment benefits

You may still be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits while earning part-time income. Find out how that income might change your weekly benefit amount.

If you work part-time while collecting unemployment benefits, you must report that income when you file your weekly claim for benefits.

Estimate benefits if you earn part-time income

Any income greater than 1/3 of your weekly benefit amount will be deducted from your weekly benefit payment. 

For example, if your benefit payment is $270 a week:

• You can earn up to $90 in part-time income before anything is deducted from your weekly benefit payment
• If you earn $120 in a week:
  • That is $30 more than 1/3 of your benefit payment
  • Your benefit payment that week will be $240 ($270 - $30 = $240)

Use the part-time income calculator to estimate your weekly benefit amount while earning other income.

Other situations that may change your benefits

• Part-time work is the most common type of income that can change your weekly benefits. You need to report this income when you file your weekly claim for benefits.
• If you earn income from a temporary job that exceeds your total benefit amount (for example, you work 40 hours at a weeklong event while still looking for a permanent job), you do not need to file a weekly claim that week.
• If you do not file for 3 weeks in a row, your unemployment claim will be closed. You can reopen your claim if needed.

Situations that may change your benefits