Can I file for underemployment if I have a significant pay loss?

Possibly. In some cases, you can accept part-time work while receiving unemployment benefits. However, your work must be less than full-time, and your benefits will be reduced according to how much you earn in the week for which you are claiming benefits.

There are three basic principles that affect how much you can earn while receiving unemployment benefits: (1) if your earnings are equal to or less than your weekly benefit amount, then your benefits are reduced by 50¢ for every dollar you earn; (2) if your earnings exceed your weekly benefit amount but are less than 1½ times your benefit amount, then your total earnings are subtracted from 1½ times your weekly benefit amount; and (3) the combination of your weekly benefits and earnings cannot exceed 1½ times your weekly benefit amount.

Note: The number of weekly benefit payments remaining in your claim will be reduced by one full week for each week you receive any benefit payment. If you have further questions contact you nearest unemployment office.