22. What is the Worksharing Program?

In situations where a contributory employer (an employer who pays into the UI system) needs to reduce payroll costs because of a temporary decline in funds, the employer can apply to participate in DUA’s Worksharing Program (WP). If the employer’s WP application is approved by the worksite union where one exists and by DUA, an employee working newly reduced hours will be able to collect UI along with the reduced wages, generally for up to 26 weeks. For example, if an employee works 80% of her regular workweek, she receives 80% of her wages and 20% of her regular UI benefit rate (plus 20% of her dependency allowance if applicable). If that worker also works another part time job, the first $188 of weekly gross earnings are disregarded before the part time wages are deducted from her UI check.

This information is general in nature and not intended as legal advice. The income eligibility limit for legal aid is 125% of the federal poverty line (or $530 per week for a family of four), although there are exceptions (e.g. elders). Federal poverty guidelines are revised each year. Because their funding is limited, legal aid programs cannot serve all eligible callers.