Partial Unemployment Estimator
Weekly Payment Summary
• Wage % (e.g. CA): Only 75% of your wages are deducted.
• WBA % (e.g. TX): You can earn up to 25% of your WBA before deductions start.
• Flat (e.g. FL/WA): A fixed dollar amount (e.g., $58) is ignored.
Check your state’s unemployment handbook for the exact formula.
What Is a Partial Benefit Calculator?
A Partial Benefit Calculator is a tool that estimates your reduced unemployment payment when you earn wages during a claim week.
When you earn income, your state does not usually cut your benefit dollar-for-dollar right away. Most states ignore part of your earnings first. This is called an earnings disregard.
After that, the remaining wages reduce your benefit.
The calculator does three simple things:
- Subtracts the ignored portion of wages
- Calculates your new unemployment payment
- Shows your total weekly income (wages + benefits)
It helps you answer:
- Is it worth taking extra hours?
- Will I still qualify this week?
- How much more will I make compared to not working?
Key Terms You Need to Understand
Before using any partial unemployment calculator, you need to know three terms.
1. Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA)
Your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) is the full unemployment payment you would receive if you earned $0 that week.
Example:
- Your WBA = $450
- If you do not work, you receive $450
2. Gross Weekly Wages
This is your earnings before taxes for that week.
Example:
- You worked 15 hours
- You earned $200 before taxes
That $200 is what you report.
3. Earnings Disregard
An earnings disregard is the portion of your wages your state ignores before reducing your benefit.
Different states use different rules.
Common State Calculation Models
The Partial Benefit Calculator in your code supports several common state models.
Let’s break them down clearly.
1. Ignore a Percentage of Wages (Example: 25%)
Some states ignore part of what you earn.
Example:
- WBA = $450
- Earnings = $200
- State ignores 25% of wages
Step-by-step:
- 25% of $200 = $50 ignored
- $200 − $50 = $150 countable earnings
- $450 − $150 = $300 new benefit
Total weekly income:
- $200 wages + $300 benefit = $500
You earned $50 more than if you didn’t work.
2. Ignore a Percentage of WBA
Some states allow you to earn up to a percentage of your WBA before deductions begin.
Example:
- WBA = $400
- Earnings = $150
- State ignores 25% of WBA
Step-by-step:
- 25% of $400 = $100 ignored
- $150 − $100 = $50 countable earnings
- $400 − $50 = $350 new benefit
Total weekly income:
- $150 wages + $350 benefit = $500
3. Ignore a Flat Dollar Amount
Some states ignore a fixed amount each week.
Example:
- WBA = $350
- Earnings = $120
- State ignores $50
Step-by-step:
- $120 − $50 = $70 countable earnings
- $350 − $70 = $280 new benefit
Total weekly income:
- $120 wages + $280 benefit = $400
How the Calculator Logic Works (Behind the Scenes)
Your calculator follows this exact order:
Step 1: Calculate Disregard Amount
Depending on the selected model:
- Percentage of wages
- Percentage of WBA
- Flat amount
- Custom rule
Step 2: Calculate Countable Earnings
Countable Earnings = Gross Wages − Disregard
It never deducts more than you earned.
Step 3: Calculate New Benefit
New Benefit = WBA − Countable Earnings
If the result goes below zero, it resets to $0.
Step 4: Calculate Total Weekly Income
Total Income = New Benefit + Gross Wages
The calculator also shows whether you gained money compared to not working.
What Happens If You Earn Too Much?
If your countable earnings exceed your WBA, your benefit becomes $0 for that week.
You may not receive a payment.
However, in most states you should still:
- Report your hours
- Certify your claim
- Keep your claim active
This prevents delays later.
Why a Partial Benefit Calculator Is Helpful
Many people avoid part-time work because they assume:
“I’ll lose my whole benefit.”
That’s often not true.
A calculator helps you:
- See if working increases your total income
- Decide whether to accept extra hours
- Avoid unpleasant surprises
- Plan your weekly finances
It removes uncertainty. And when you’re dealing with reduced income, clarity matters.
When to Use a Partial Unemployment Calculator
Use it when:
- You start part-time work
- Your weekly hours change
- You receive variable pay
- You’re considering gig work
- You want to estimate take-home income
It works best as a planning tool before you certify your weekly claim.
Important Disclaimer
Every state has its own unemployment rules.
The models in this calculator reflect common calculation structures, but:
- Percentages vary
- Minimum earning thresholds differ
- Some states round differently
- Eligibility rules may change
Always confirm with your state’s unemployment handbook.