Part-Time & Temporary Workers

State rules typically require part-time workers to seek full-time work to qualify for unemployment benefits, while also discriminating against most temporary workers.  NELP resources are available documenting the range of state policies and models for reform that benefit part-time and temporary workers.

How Much Does Unemployment Insurance for Part Time Jobless Workers Cost? reports for the first time on administrative costs figures from states with part time eligibility and reviews previous cost estimates involving expanded UI eligibility for part time workers. The briefing paper presents a cost estimation methodology that should assist agencies, policymakers, and advocates considering state part time eligibility reforms. (May 2005)

Part Time Workers and Unemployment Insurance. (March 2004)  With millions working part time, a majority of states still have UI rules limiting eligibility of part time workers for UI benefits. This factsheet outlines current restrictive laws and a road map on how to change them.

Laid Off and Left Out.  (February 2002) With our partners, Economic Policy Institute and the Program on Gender, Work & Family of Washington College of Law at American University, NELP examines UI eligibility rules for part-time workers in all 53 U.S. jurisdictions. Laid Off and Left Out is the best review of state practices on part-time workers getting UI benefits and explains why part-time workers should be treated with full parity in our UI programs. Includes summary tables of states and state by state listing of UI eligibility rules. 

Temp Work and Unemployment Insurance—Helping Employees at Temporary Staffing and Employee Leasing Agencies.  (Revised, August 2001) Under many state laws, a temporary service agency is considered the "employer" of the workers that it refers to a worksite, or "third party employers."  Employees of temp agencies face many barriers when they apply for unemployment compensation.  This paper, written for unemployment compensation advocates, identifies those barriers and explains the law on temp agencies and unemployment compensation. 

Mending the Unemployment Compensation Safety Net for Contingent Workers. (1997)  The fastest growing segment of the workforce, contingent workers, often does not have access to unemployment compensation. This report compiles all the available statutes, regulations and court decisions on the subject and presents a checklist of model state provisions and arguments tailored to help represent contingent workers and advocate for policy reform. 100 pp.