Reduced Work Hours and Unemployment

Updated on May 20, 2010
B.H. asks from Detroit, MI
9 answers

On saturday I got a letter in the mail stating that I would be laid off from my job in 7 day slots for the following weeks.
may 28th - June 4th
July 2- July 9th
August 27- September 3rd
I will be laid off on these dates unless through employment seniority, I'm able to bump someone else out of their job (that person would in turn be laid off, or bump someone else) which means I could be working for less pay on these dates. however, I was told that if I did not accept a position that's offered I would then not qualify for unemployment (they gave me an unemployment form with my layoff notice.) A co-worker informed me that I would probably not qualify for unemployment anyway because i would be required to report my earnings, which I knew would be the case, and I would be disqualified.
My question for anyone who knows is can a person's work hours be reduced and they still qualify for unemployment benefits? Plus, I was told that I would not have any health insurance for the month of June.
Thanks

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L.J.

answers from Detroit on

I have friend who would get laid off every year for 3-6 weeks and she would get unemployment for the time she was off. It is also a union and i don't know if that had anything to do with it.

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L.M.

answers from New York on

You should check with your state unemployment office. It's probably impossible to call them, so their website would be the best choice.

In many states you can receive partial unemployment benefits if your HOURS are reduced (does not apply to reduced wages). In many states there is a one week waiting period before you can begin collecting unemployment, therefore, in your case, you would not be eligible because your only being laid off for one week (consectutive). As far as turning down work that is offered, if it is for significantly less wages or is work that is not in your field, in most states you have the right to refuse and can still collect unemployment. Once again, rules vary from state to state.

As far as health insurance, you should be given the option to elect COBRA coverage.

Good luck.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I know in PA, if your hours are reduced you are eligible for partial unemployment benefits. Even if you make money during that week, if it is reduced, they base the benefit around it. I'd call the UC office or look on their website for more info.

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J.G.

answers from Cleveland on

In Ohio you are able to make $100 before your unemployment is effected, then the amount is reduced till you make to much to qualify.
But you also have to put in a waiting week before you start getting payments (one week without payment). It can take up to 6 weeks before you get your first payment, unless they have gotten better about that. I put in my waiting week at Christmas 2008 when we had a 2 week shut down... the first week I had vacation time left, but I didn't the second & it did count. The shop closed it doors in July & my waiting week was still go. It actually helped me because when everyone elses unemployment was running out - I was able to put in another waiting week & start a new claim for a new year.

If you turn down a job - then you can be disqualified for payment. As long as the job is 80% your normal wage & you are qualified to do the job. So, if you turn down work - you have to have a really good reason, that they agree with. Basicly you have to be willing & able to work to qualify for benifits & I also have to fill out a min of 2 job applications a week to get my benifits.

As to insurance, you can always see if w/ the decrease in income would qualify you for state insurance... our company got rid of their coverage about 6 mo before the closed their doors (I worked there 12 years).

I wish you luck & hope things get better where you work!!

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S.T.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I would also think that they cannot just stop your health insurance?? I would talk to HR, because you should be able to get COBRA and right now Obama has a very discounted amount that needs to be paid to continue your insurance. (I know because I am being laid off starting July 7, except my job is just gone...boooo) Hope everything works out for you.

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M.P.

answers from Detroit on

I would contact Michigan Works directly and ask what you are entitled to.

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T.S.

answers from Detroit on

I'm guessing you work for Wayne County. What is your union telling you? The County will lose this case in court too. I am sorry Ficano is doing this to hard-working employees. I just stopped working for the County in January and moved onto a much better job. I hope you persevere.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Call your local unemployment office and ask them.
Unemployment... can still be attained, if you make a certain cut-off per hours/income etc. I believe...
So ask them what the parameters are, in your state.
To qualify or disqualify for unemployment... it usually is required that if you turn down a job... then that disqualifies you.
But ask your local unemployment office to make sure.

As for health insurance... can you call/talk to your HR department?
I guess you do not get health insurance in June, because you only work until June 4th... that is only 4 days.
Then, what about the Month of September??? You work only until Sept. 3rd. Not the full month....

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R.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Talk to HR.
I don't know much about all that, but in CA I know there is usually a form given to fill out, for extension of health benefits during an uncovered period. You self pay, but the idea is that it is uninterrupted coverage. You could be injured during that month lapse.

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