Cut from 35 to 12 hours at major PA retailer - Can I claim partial UC benefits?

Yes, you absolutely can file for partial unemployment in PA if your hours were significantly reduced! The basic rule is that if you're earning less than your weekly benefit rate (what you'd get if fully unemployed), you can receive partial benefits. In your case, going from 32-35 hours to 12-15 is definitely a substantial reduction. Here's what you need to know: 1. File a new claim at www.uc.pa.gov 2. When filing, you'll indicate you're still employed but with reduced hours 3. Report ALL earnings each week when you file your weekly claims 4. PA UC will calculate your partial benefit based on what you earn You are legally entitled to these benefits! The employer cannot legally retaliate against you for claiming benefits you're entitled to receive.

happened 2 me 2. was working at [redacted store] and they cut me from 28 hrs to like 11 one week! i filed 4 partial and got it but took FOREVER to get the money. like 6 weeks before i saw anything

You're describing a textbook case for partial UC benefits in Pennsylvania. There's no minimum threshold of hours that must be cut - it's based on your earnings compared to your determined weekly benefit rate. To directly address your concern: Yes, your employer will know you filed. When you submit a claim, PA UC sends a notice to your employer to verify your employment details and reason for reduced hours. This is standard procedure and not something you can avoid. Regarding work search: Even with partial benefits, you must complete the work search activities (2 per week) and document them. Many people mistakenly think they're exempt because they're still employed, but you still need to complete these requirements. Documentation is crucial - keep records of when your hours were cut, previous schedules showing your normal hours, and any communication about the reduction. This helps if there's any dispute.

I WENT THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING last year!!! Worked at [major retailer] and they slashed my hours from 30+ to like 8-10 some weeks while hiring new people!!! It's their standard practice - they WANT you to quit so they don't have to pay unemployment!!! I tried calling UC to file and got NOWHERE - busy signals for DAYS and when I finally got through they disconnected me after 45 minutes on hold!!! The whole system is RIGGED against workers!!!

Honey you need to start looking for another job asap. Thats what they do now, they schedule you just enough to keep you from quiting but not enough to pay bills. My daughter had this happen at [store name]. You can file for partial but its a nightmare and they might just fire you for some made up reason if they find out. Not saying dont file, just start looking for something better too!

Quick clarification on reporting earnings for partial benefits: When you file your weekly claim, you'll report your GROSS earnings (before taxes) for the week. PA uses a partial benefit credit formula where you can earn 30% of your weekly benefit rate without reduction, then benefits reduce dollar-for-dollar above that amount. Example: If your weekly benefit rate is $250, you could earn up to $75 (30% of $250) with no reduction in benefits. If you earned $100 that week, your benefit would be reduced by $25. Also, make sure you're calculating your work week correctly. PA UC considers a week as Sunday through Saturday, regardless of your employer's payroll schedule. So count your hours and earnings based on when you actually worked, not when you got paid.

btw has anybody heard if PA is still backed up with claims? friend of mine waited like 3 months last year for benefits to start