Can you get unemployment if your job cut hours to part time in the USA?

Answer 1

If you were part time and you cut back your own hours and it wasn't your boss that cut back your hours, then no you cant collect unemployment pay.

But if your boss cut your hours back and you signed a contract saying you are contracted to work 40 hrs a week and your boss hasn't gave a reasonable justification and no one else's hours were cut back I would speak to your local job centre and enquire about the situation you are in at the moment.

I would hazard a guess and say yes you could probably take your work to court for breaking contractual agreement.

Your boss has to give a reason to why they have cut your hours to part time, like there isn't enough sustainable work for everyone, or its a temporary measure for 6 months then you will go back up to full time

Answer 2

Unemployment insurance benefits were designed for just this purpose; to assist employees with supplemental income during periods of unemployment (ie, full or partial layoffs, RIFs, business closures, etc.). Employees may also qualify for benefits in some instances if they quit or are discharged from a job. Laws and rules vary by state, and most states have information regarding their unemployment insurance programs available online.