Can I get PA UC benefits with severely reduced hours? Currently at 25hrs/week

Yes! You absolutely can file for partial unemployment in PA if your hours have been reduced. This is exactly what partial benefits are designed for. Go to www.uc.pa.gov and click on "File an Initial Claim." You'll need your employer info, pay stubs showing your reduction, and your ID. Make sure to report your current earnings each week when you file your weekly claims. The system will calculate if you're eligible for a partial benefit payment based on what you're earning now vs. before.

i filed for partial last year when my company cut hours. its not that hard but remember u HAVE to report ALL earnings every week or youll get hit with overpayment later and that SUCKS

Your employer WILL find out you filed!!!! They get notified and have to confirm your employment details. When I filed last year my boss was PISSED even though it's my RIGHT to file! Just be prepared for that conversation. Some employers take it personally even though the UC payments don't come directly from them (they pay into the system regardless).

Good luck getting through to anyone on the phone if you have questions! I spent TWO MONTHS trying to reach someone about my partial benefits last year. The system is completely broken.

To answer your specific question about eligibility: In Pennsylvania, you can receive partial UC benefits if your hours are reduced by at least 20% AND your weekly earnings are less than your weekly benefit rate plus the partial benefit credit (30% of your weekly benefit rate). So for example, if your full weekly benefit would be $400, you could earn up to $520 per week and still receive some partial benefits. Also, make sure you understand that Pennsylvania requires you to complete work search activities even when receiving partial benefits - you need to apply for two jobs and complete one work search activity each week. Document everything carefully.

I filed for partial UC back in November when my retail hours got slashed after the holidays. One thing nobody mentioned yet - if you make too much money in any given week, you won't get benefits for that week. The system calculates it weekly. So if you have one good week with more hours and one bad week with fewer, you might only get benefits for the bad week. Just don't be surprised if some weeks show $0 benefit amount.

btw my manager actually helped me file for partial uc when they cut my hours. not all bosses r jerks about it. some understand its just business.

One more tip: When you file your initial claim, you'll need to provide your income from all four quarters of the previous calendar year. This determines your weekly benefit rate. Have your W-2 or pay stubs ready before you start the application process. The system will time out if you take too long, and you'll have to start over.

MAKE SURE you select "LACK OF WORK" as your reason for filing when you apply!! If you pick anything else they'll probably deny you and you'll have to appeal which is a WHOLE OTHER NIGHTMARE!!!!

Just wanted to add that once you file, it might take 2-3 weeks to get your first payment. The system is really backed up right now. So don't panic if you don't see money right away.

After reading through all the comments, I think you have good information to proceed. To summarize for you: 1. You do qualify for partial UC benefits with a 35% reduction in hours 2. File online at www.uc.pa.gov and select "lack of work" as your reason 3. Report your earnings accurately each week when filing weekly claims 4. Understand your employer will be notified about your claim 5. Complete and document your work search activities each week 6. Be patient with processing times and payment schedules Good luck with your claim!