Pensions:

If you currently receive a pension from an employer on which your unemployment claim is based, your weekly unemployment benefits may be reduced. The size of the reduction depends on the conditions of your pension.

• If your employer contributed the full amount toward your pension, your unemployment benefits may be reduced by 100% of your weekly pension amount. For example, if your monthly pension is $1,000, your weekly pension amount is $231, and your weekly unemployment benefit is $400, you would receive $169 after the reduction.
• If both you and your employer contributed to the pension, your unemployment benefits may be reduced by 50% of your weekly pension amount. Using the same example, your weekly benefit would be reduced by $116 (half of $231), leaving you with $284.
• If you contributed the full amount to the pension and your employer contributed nothing, your unemployment benefits will not be reduced.
• If you were involuntarily separated from your job before age 59.5, your unemployment benefits may be reduced due to a one-time retirement pension payment. This reduction can be applied to the week in which payment was received or can be prorated into weekly deductions using actuarial tables.

Receiving Social Security benefits does not affect your Unemployment Insurance benefits.

Rejecting a Suitable Job:

If you are offered a suitable job and you refuse it, your eligibility for benefits may be affected. The definition of a “suitable job” varies depending on your location, skills, experience, and previous salary. While unemployed, you are expected to seek employment similar to your previous job in terms of distance, job duties, and salary. However, as unemployment continues, you may be required to adjust your work requirements. This could mean considering longer distance jobs, different job roles, or lower starting salaries.

Working Part Time or Less than Full Time:

If you work part-time or less than full-time due to your employer's inability to offer full-time work, you may still be eligible to receive partial unemployment benefits. “Less than full time” generally means working less than 80% of the usual hours for your occupation.

If you find part-time work with a new employer, you should continue to actively search for full-time work if your initial unemployment claim was based on full-time employment. Failure to look for full-time work may make you ineligible for unemployment benefits.

Regardless of your part-time or less than full-time employment status, you must report your gross weekly earnings, including tips, when claiming your benefits. It is important to report income for the week it was earned, not when payment was received. Reported earnings will be subtracted from your Partial Benefit Rate, which is typically 20% higher than your weekly benefit rate. You cannot receive more than your weekly benefit rate.

Return to Work Full Time:

If you return to work full-time during the weeks in which you claim benefits, you must notify the appropriate authorities. You will need to provide specific details, including the date of your return to full-time work, gross earnings earned, number of hours worked, and your employer information.

Remember that accurately reporting your employment status is essential to ensure you receive adequate benefits and avoid potential problems with your unemployment claim.