After 23 years of work my employer…intends to eliminate my position.

Q) After 23 years of work my employer has less work for me and intends to eliminate my position. In lieu of termination he offered to reduce my hours ( from 40 to 24 per week) without benefits. If I accept the reduced hours but I decided it is unsuitable for me after a few weeks (due to lower pay, no benefits, varying days off, etc) and I then quit can I collect unemployment benefits while I look for a full time job ? If yes, will the unemployment rate be based upon my full time salary or my part time salary ?

A) You can claim unemployment benefits because of your reduced hours. Most people who collect unemployment have lost their jobs. However, you may be eligible for benefits even if you are still working, if your hours or pay have been cut or you have been forced to take a part-time position and you can’t get additional work.

Your unemployment benefit will not be based on your full time salary. Your state determines the percentage of your wage that will be replaced. The weekly wage is divided and the weekly benefit is calculated based on the weekly wage.

You must meet your state’s minimum earnings or minimum hours worked requirements. These are the same whether you apply for regular or partial unemployment benefits.