Calculating Your Loss Of Wages: And Do I need An Attorney

If you return to work part time and still suffer a loss of wages, we can pay benefits equal to your wage loss but not more than your weekly benefit rate. We will look at what you earned on a weekly basis before your claim began, then subtract what you're currently earning working part-time. The difference between the two figures is your wage loss, or the amount of wages you are losing by working part-time. If your wage loss is greater than your weekly benefit amount, you'll receive benefits at your full rate. If the wage loss is less than your weekly rate, you'll receive the amount of your wage loss only. The following examples are guidelines only. Since each situation is different, if you return to work on a part-time basis, please contact SDI for clarification.

EXAMPLE 1: Calculating your wage loss   Regular weekly salary $1000 Less part-time weekly salary -400 Equals your wage loss  $600

Your weekly benefit amount  $550 Your check amount will be  $550

Your wage loss ($600) is greater than your weekly benefit amount ($550), and your part-time wages plus your benefit amount ($400+$550=$950) are less than your regular weekly wage ($1000), so you will receive a full benefit check with no adjustments.

EXAMPLE 2: Calculating your wage loss   Regular weekly salary  $1000 Less part-time weekly salary - 600 Equals your wage loss  $ 400

Your weekly benefit amount $ 550 Your check amount will be  $ 400

Your wage loss ($400) is less than your weekly benefit amount ($550), and your part-time wages plus your benefit amount ($600+$550=$1150) are greater than your regular weekly wage ($1000), so you will receive an adjusted $400 benefit check. The amount of the check plus your part-time salary will equal your regular salary ($400+$600=$1000).