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.

Contact

Phone

Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

To request weekly benefits, daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m.

To check your claim or benefit payment status

Select or reset your 4-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)

Set up, change, or cancel direct deposit

Address

Boston Re-Employment Center (by appointment only)
2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111

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