1. NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Shared Work Program

2. Shared Work Program Voluntary program – alternative to layoffs
Employer can reduce hours of full time employees by 20 to 60%
Employees will receive partial UI benefits equal to the percent of reduction

3. Advantages of Shared Work Plan
During periods of temporary slow down you can reduce hours worked without laying employees off
Allows employers to retain quality employees for when business improves
Employees do not have to look for work
Employees in Shared Work plan can earn more than $405 in a week and still receive partial benefits

4. Features You set up plan using units you design
You can have one unit or many
Different units can have a different percentage of reduction
Weeks on plan do not have to be consecutive

5. Features
Shared Work benefits are charged to the employer’s experience rating account
Claimants can receive up to 20 weeks of Shared Work benefits
There may be eligibility for additional weeks depending on Federal Extended Benefits legislation

6. Requirements Have at least 5 full time employees
Have been liable for at least 4 completed calendar quarters
Have to be located in New York State or have a base of operations in New York State
Must have filed quarterly reports and paid contributions

7. Requirements
All employees working in the same unit will have their hours and wages reduced by the same percentage
No additional employees will be hired for the units affected in the program while the plan is in effect

8. Employer Certifies
Fringe benefits will continue for employees on the plan
If there is a collective bargaining agent, they have to sign off on the plan

9. Shared Work Benefit Rate Calculation
Hours not worked = Reduction %
Normal hours worked
Reduction % x Regular benefit rate =
S/W Benefit rate
Regular benefit rate will be 1/26 of high calendar quarter earnings.

10. Difference between Shared Work and Regular Unemployment Insurance Claim
Employee paid $800 per week
Employee works four days for a 20% reduction in work
Based on wages paid the claimant’s benefit rate would be $400
Regular benefit rate will be 1/26 of high calendar quarter earnings.

11. Under a Regular Unemployment Insurance Claim
The claimant would not be entitled to any benefits
The claimant worked four days during the week
The claimant earned over $405
Regular benefit rate will be 1/26 of high calendar quarter earnings.

12. Under a Shared Work Plan
The claimant will be entitled to receive $80 (20% of $400 benefit rate) of Unemployment Insurance benefits
In addition, the claimant will be paid $640
($800 x 80%) by the employer for a total of $720 plus continuing all their fringe benefits
Regular benefit rate will be 1/26 of high calendar quarter earnings.

13. How Does an Employer Apply?
Complete an application, if possible, submit two weeks prior to start date
When completing the application, if possible, please list participants in either numeric or alphabetical order
Applications can be found on our website or by calling (518)

14. Plan Review
The plan will be reviewed and DOL staff will contact the employer, via telephone, regarding any questions regarding:
One person units
Corporate officers on plan
Incomplete application
Once approved, we will call the employer and send forms that need to be completed for registering employees for benefits

15. Approval
Once approved, the employer must submit the appropriate forms including:
SW 330
SW 330.2
LO 4WT – request for tax withholding
SW 4
SW 4.1

16. General Information Regarding a Shared Work Claim
Direct Deposit is available if the claim is filed online at the website.
No child support will be withheld
If the claimant has a part time job:
Every day the claimant works for the part time employer during the week will reduce Shared Work benefits by 25%
If the claimant works four or more days for the part time employer they will not be eligible for Shared Work benefits

17. Shut Down The employer can have a complete shut
down for up to two consecutive weeks
without the Shared Work plan being
transferred to a regular Unemployment
Insurance claim.

18. Phone Numbers to Call with Questions
Any questions regarding the S/W application you can call:
Liability & Determination at
Any questions regarding payment of benefits call:
Shared Work Unit at