Tips & info
Frequently asked questions regarding lack of work
August 2001What is lack of work?
A lack of work is a claim that can be filed by anyone who is not currently employed at least 40 hours per week, because their employer does not have additional work for them.
When do payments begin for lack of a work claim?
Employees that file lack of work claims are eligible for benefits after the standard waiting period.
Does this include employees that are part-time? They knew the hours when I hired them!
Yes, this includes employees hired to work part-time or on-call. As long as an employee continues to seek full-time work, they are eligible for benefits.
So I pay the employee and they collect UI?
Employees who are filing for and are part-time or on-call receive partial benefit payments. The State UI Department will subtract gross earnings received each week from the Weekly Benefit Amount for which the employee is determined eligible and pay the remainder to the individual.
For example: You have hired Joe Smith for 25 hours per week. He opens a UI claim and his Weekly Benefit Amount is $200.00. He makes $4 per hour with your company totalling $100 each week. He will receive a check from the state for remaining $100 each week.
What if I hire someone for a specific time period on a temporary basis; are they eligible for benefits? They knew when their job would end.
Yes, anytime you do not have continuing work for an individual, they can file a lack of work claim. The only exception to this is an Independent Contractor.
How can I control this cost?If an employee is limiting their hours, inform GatesMcDonald! Remember, they must be seeking full-time work to collect UI!