Is there a way to continue working part-time, but have unemployment paid out to make up the difference?

Q) Our employer is talking about cutting hours to part-time from our present full-time status on a long-term basis. I would like to stay with the employer until I am able to retire in a few years (after 30+ years of work there), but I can’t afford part-time hours and am not sure I can get a full-time job elsewhere because of my age. Is there a way to continue working part-time, but have unemployment paid out to make up the difference? I do not qualify for Social Security yet.

A) If your working hours have been reduced, you can apply for unemployment insurance benefits to help cover the loss of income. Many states clearly have stated on their websites and in their FAQs that individuals with reduced working hours may be eligible for partial unemployment insurance benefit. Please visit your State’s Unemployment Benefits website and apply for your benefits. Keep in mind that unemployment benefit is temporal, usually for only a maximum of 26 weeks depending on your state.