Q: Could I take a part time position (8hrs/week) without loosing or reducing my unemployment benefits?

A: Under California law, you may be able to take on a part-time job without losing your unemployment benefits entirely. California allows individuals receiving unemployment benefits to work part-time and still receive partial benefits, as long as your earnings do not exceed a certain threshold. Currently, you can earn up to 25% of your weekly benefit amount without it affecting your unemployment benefits. If your earnings from this new part-time job fall within this limit, you can continue to receive a portion of your unemployment benefits.

However, it's important to note that any income you earn above this threshold will generally reduce the amount of unemployment benefits you receive on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The Employment Development Department (EDD) will calculate how much to deduct from your weekly benefits based on your earnings. You must report your earnings accurately and on time to the EDD to ensure your benefits are calculated correctly.

Additionally, taking on part-time work could potentially impact your eligibility for certain unemployment benefits programs or extensions, such as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or other federal programs that may have different rules regarding earnings and employment status. It's advisable to check with the EDD or a legal professional specializing in unemployment benefits to understand how your specific situation and earnings will affect your benefits.

In summary, while you can take up a part-time job and still receive unemployment benefits in California, the amount you earn will determine how much of your benefits you can keep. Reporting your earnings accurately and understanding the rules around part-time work while receiving benefits is crucial to avoid any overpayments or complications with your unemployment benefits.