Unemployment/ Underemployment Benefit
If you are out of work, or if you work less than the average number of hours required by your local union and are receiving state unemployment compensation benefits, SASMI’s Unemployment Benefit can help by supplementing your pay.
This benefit is available if you are ready to work, are seeking suitable employment in the sheet metal industry, and are receiving—or are eligible to receive—state unemployment compensation.
If you are working fewer hours—less than the average number of hours required by your local union—but you are not receiving state unemployment compensation benefits because you are ill, injured or temporarily disabled, SASMI’s Underemployment Benefit can help by supplementing your pay.
How Is the Unemployment/ Underemployment Benefit Calculated?
Each year, every SASMI local union is assigned to one of four groups based on the average hours worked by active employees in that local union in the prior year. The standard working hours for members of each group are shown in this table:
| SASMI Group | Stabilization Period A (January 1 to June 30) | Stabilization Period B (July 1 to December 31) |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | 800 hours | 900 hours |
| Group 2 | 750 hours | 850 hours |
| Group 3 | 650 hours | 750 hours |
| Group 4 | 600 hours | 700 hours |
Once you know your group, you can estimate your benefit by subtracting the actual hours you worked from your group hours during that stabilization period. To find out what the group hours are for your local union, log in to the member portal.
The maximum combined Unemployment/Underemployment Benefit you can receive for a stabilization period is 190 times your average hourly wage rate (or the amount of your average earnings used in computing your state unemployment benefits — whichever is less).
For Example
Let’s say your average wage rate is $30 per hour and your home local union is classified in Group 3 (which means you are expected to work 650 hours from January 1 through June 30), making your expected earnings $19,500.
However, let’s say you end up working only 500 hours and earning only $15,000 ($30 multiplied by 500 hours).
$19,500 – $4,500 = $15,000 (before taxes and any offsets)
Want More Information?
Watch This Brief VideoCoordination Between Unemployment and Underemployment Benefits
Once your benefit amount is determined, it is divided between Unemployment and Underemployment Benefits.
Using the example above, your benefit would be $4,500 (before taxes). Assuming you collected state unemployment compensation we would not withhold FICA and Medicare. If you are not on State unemployment, we would withhold both FICA and Medicare.
The Benefit may be reduced by the amount of premium reimbursement benefits paid to your local union’s health and welfare fund to maintain your welfare coverage unless you “refreshed” by working 3,500 hours in six (6) consecutive stabilization periods (3 years) following the welfare disbursement.
10% Rule
If you have received Unemployment/Underemployment Benefits for two benefit periods, you are not eligible for either the third or fourth period of benefits unless you worked at least 10% of the applicable group hours in the previous stabilization period or have a verified disability.
For Example
The group hours were 750 in the 2023 stabilization period B. Participant John Doe applied for his third Unemployment/Underemployment Benefit in the 2024 stabilization period A. He is not eligible unless he had at least 75 reported hours in the 2023 stabilization period B.
Advance Unemployment Benefits
If you’ve been unemployed and receiving state unemployment compensation for 60 consecutive days within the stabilization period, SASMI will pay you an advance on the Unemployment Benefit. You must show proof that you have been receiving state unemployment benefits for 60 days.
To receive advance Unemployment Benefits, you must file an application with SASMI.
The maximum Benefit is equal to one-half of the maximum benefit (95 hours multiplied by the applicable wage rate).
Advance Underemployment Medical Benefits
If you are underemployed for a period of 60 days due to a medical condition (not including pregnancy) within the stabilization period, SASMI will pay you an advance on the Unemployment Benefit. You must show proof that you have been receiving medical care or you are out of work due to a medical reason for 60 days.