If I’m a full-time employee and my hours were cut to 12 hours a week, does this effect my health insurance coverage in any way?
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If I’m a full-time employee and my hours were cut to 12 hours a week, does this effect my health insurance coverage in any way?
Shouldn’t I at least have 30-32 hours. Can I file for employment compensation?
Asked on August 14, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
1) Yes, it will affect your health coverage if your employer only provides health insurance to full-time staff.
2) Unless you have an employment contract guarantying your hours, you employer may reduce your hours to effectively part-time status, even if you are theoretically or ostensibly a full-time employee. Without an employment contract, it's up to your employer how much and when you work.
3) A reduction from, say, 35 hours to 12 may be enough to qualify as "constructive"--or effective--termination, since the employer may have made it unreasonable for you to keep the job. If that were the case, you may be able to receive unemployment compensation. However, there is no "bright line" as to when you can receive unemplyment due to a reduction in hours; you are advised to consult with an employment law attorney in detail about the facts of your situation before doing anything, since you need a lawyer to analyze your circumstances in depth to advise you of your rights and options (you can also discuss the benefits issue).
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