Work-Share Program for Employees

Benefits  |  Eligibility  |  Steps  |  Example  |  Questions

 Benefits

The Work-Share program benefits employees and employers. Here are some ways employees benefit from the program:

If the plan includes more than 32 hours of work, or more than $500 in wages, employees may be entitled to Work-Share benefits when otherwise ineligible for UI benefits.

 Eligibility

Work-Share Program Eligibility

• Your employer needs to initiate a Work-Share plan and receive Department of Workforce Development approval;
• You need to be a regularly employed full-time, part-time, salaried, or exempt employee; and
• You need to be employed with the employer for at least three months (as of the Work-Share plan's effective date).

Unemployment Insurance Eligibility

• File an initial claim application to determine your eligibility for UI benefits.
• Eligibility criteria can be found in the Claimant Handbook.
• Waiting Week Notice – For each new benefit year, no benefits are payable for the first week you would otherwise be eligible. You will be notified of which week is serving as your waiting week.

 Steps for Employees

1. 
   Your employer applies for and receives approval for the Work-Share program.
2. 
   Your employer notifies you that your hours will be reduced under the approved Work-Share plan.
3. 
   You begin working reduced hours in line with the approved Work-Share plan.
4. 
   You file an initial claim to apply for UI benefits.
5. 
   You file a weekly claim, to report wages and hours worked each week you work reduced hours.
   • You do not need to apply for other jobs or be available to work for another employer while on a Work-Share plan. However, you must be available for work with the employer participating in the Work-Share program including any extra hours offered and any employer-sponsored training program.

 Example

 Questions

Find answers to our Frequently Asked Questions below: