PA UC partial benefits after workplace fire - reduced hours at $30/hr job

Yes, your husband absolutely can and SHOULD apply for partial unemployment! PA UC allows for partial benefits when someone's hours are reduced through no fault of their own (like a workplace fire). Since his earnings have dropped significantly, he'll likely qualify. He'll need to report what he does earn each week, and PA will calculate a partial benefit amount. The basic rule is if he's earning less than his weekly benefit rate plus 30% (called the Partial Benefit Credit), he can receive some UC money. He needs to apply ASAP though - don't wait thinking he won't qualify.

my cousin had smthing like this happen at his warehouse job last yr... they had a flood and he got partial benefits while they fixed everything. took like 2 months i think? he had to file weekly and report what he made

He should apply NOW! I waited way too long when my hours got cut, thinking I wouldn't qualify and I lost out on weeks of benefits I could have received!!! The UC system takes time to process claims anyway so getting in the system ASAP is important. They'll make him do work search activities too even though he's still employed - make sure he knows about that requirement!!

To answer your question about work search requirements for partial UC - normally yes, claimants need to complete weekly work search activities even on partial unemployment. However, there's an important exception that might apply in your husband's case. If the reduction in hours is expected to be temporary (under 8 weeks), his employer can request that PA UC classifies him under "partial unemployment with recall date." With this classification, the work search requirements are waived as long as there's a definite return date to full employment. He should ask his employer if they're willing to provide documentation about the temporary nature of the reduction and expected return to full hours once the rebuilding is complete. This would need to be submitted with his initial application.

I've been through PA's partial UC process and let me tell you the WORST part is trying to actually talk to someone when there's an issue. I had an "open issue" on my claim for weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone despite calling hundreds of times. If you run into problems getting through on the phone, try Claimyr.com - it got me connected to a UC agent in about 30 minutes after weeks of busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Worth it for the peace of mind especially when you're dealing with something complicated like partial benefits.

Everyone here is giving really good advice about the partial unemployment, but don't forget about potential Disaster Unemployment Assistance too if the fire was declared a disaster by state/local government. Might be worth looking into as another option, although regular partial UC is probably the better route since your husband still has some work hours.

make sure he keeps track of ALL hours worked and money earned!!! they'll ask for that every week when he files. my boyfriend got in trouble for estimating instead of being exact

One other thing to consider - if your husband belongs to a union, there might be additional benefits or programs available through them during this situation. Just something else to look into alongside the UC claim.