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:

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).

Applying for the Unemployment/Underemployment Benefit

To file a claim to receive either the Unemployment or Underemployment Benefit, you should log in to the member portal and complete the online application. Once completed, print it, sign it in pen, and submit it to your local.

To be eligible, you must be threatened with underemployment in your home local but available to work, seeking employment in the sheet metal industry, and receiving or are eligible to receive state unemployment compensation.

You will receive an email confirming the application submission. Benefits can take up to 14 -21 days to be processed.

If Your Claim for the Unemployment/Underemployment Benefit Is Denied

If your request for Unemployment or Underemployment Benefit is denied, it may be because:

• You didn’t meet the eligibility requirements,
• You’ve already received benefits for two benefit periods. You are not eligible for either the third or the fourth period of benefit unless you worked at least 10% of the applicable group hours in the previous stabilization period (or have a verified disability), or
• You’ve already received benefits from SASMI equal to or more than the 200% of the contributions paid by your employer.

Coordination 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.

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.

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).

*Since this is an advance of the full un/underemployment, it is not appealable.

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.