Working part-time while claiming unemployment.
Estimate a partial payment and understand gross earnings, hours, reporting weeks and full-time work rules.
Reviewed October 1, 2026 · General information
A weekly award is the starting point
Your regular weekly benefit is based on past covered wages. A partial payment then applies the state’s rule to work performed during the certification week. Some states ignore a fixed amount; others ignore a fraction of wages or the benefit.
Report gross earnings for the week worked
Use earnings before deductions and follow the agency’s reporting instructions. The week you performed the work often matters even when the paycheck arrives later. The calculator’s earnings input is for one certification week, not a monthly total.
Hours can matter as much as pay
New York uses hour bands as well as an earnings ceiling. Other states have full-time or availability rules that can prevent payment even when earnings are low. Mark full-time work in the partial calculator and confirm your state’s certification questions.
Keep meeting the other requirements
A positive arithmetic result does not confirm eligibility. Availability, work search, separation and suitable-work requirements still apply unless your agency grants an exception. Check the agency instructions linked with your estimate.
Official reading.
State rules control your claim. Check the source date and your agency notice.