New York Shared Work Program

The Shared Work Program gives nonprofits an alternative to laying off workers during business downturns by allowing them to work a reduced work schedule and collect partial Unemployment Insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks. Instead of cutting staff, nonprofits can reduce the number of hours of all employees or just a certain group.

Information on the Shared Work Program can be found on the Department of Labor website. Nonprofits can visit the Employer Eligibility and Application page, which includes a comprehensive fact sheet and video on the benefits of the program. Nonprofit employees can visit the How to File a Claim page to learn about the types of benefits they may be eligible to receive while on a shared work plan.