I was hired at my job 3 months ago as part time 2 days a week. But i now work over 36 hours a week, and dont get healthcare benefits because they wont give them to me because im not "full time". Is this illegal?? I get kicked off my parents' plan, and i need perscription drug coverage. What should i do? Is there a website I can print stuff up and give to my boss?? Please help!
2007-07-08 12:53:22 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Most states are "At Will" when it comes to labor. That means an employer can hire and fire you without cause. There is not a federal law that says an employer must give you health benefits, a retirement plan or even the time of day. Companies do that on their own to keep good employees happy. The employer must give you breaks depending on the number of consecutive hours worked and time&half for all minutes worked beyond 40 hours a week.
So what can you do? You have two options, demand more hours so you get benefits or find another job.
As for your plight with the lack of insurance; believe me I know how it feels. I pay for my own individual health insurance policy and that comes to $270 a month. You can try to get your own policy, but try and get it through a group and not as a single person.
2007-07-08 13:07:48 · answer #1 · answered by Kevin k 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if you work over 35 hours a week you should be getting benefits, I guess the question is how long have you been working the 36 hours a week 3 months or was it less then that ? Is there an employee hand book ? maybe you can find some answers there.
Good Luck !
2007-07-08 19:58:36 · answer #2 · answered by EviL 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on how many hours you need to work to be labeled 'full time'; most places it's 40. The employer can legally work you 39 hours and 59 minutes just so you are NOT full-time, therefore, they don't have to offer you benefits.`
If I were you, I'd do some checking around. There are companys out there where you can obtain relatively cheap health care coverage - the younger - the cheaper.
2007-07-08 20:53:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's legal. They do not have to pay benefits you are not entitled to. While some companies consider anything over 32 hours full time others consider ANYTHING under 40 as part time and therefore not entitled to full time benefits.
Also not all companies offer benefits. Does yours?
2007-07-08 20:00:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's legal. You can count on them never giving you quite enough hours to make you full-time. Benefits are a huge cost factor for nearly every business that offers them.
Whether it's ethical is another matter, but it's most certainly common.
2007-07-08 19:58:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is legal. In California it is called a Preferred Time employee. And there can be restrictions about how long you have to be there to receive benefits.
As you are young you can purchase a health plan for very little. Under $100 a month.
Best of luck to you.
2007-07-08 19:58:54 · answer #6 · answered by Ken C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on what state you are in. Some states consider over 30 hours to be full time, in others it is 40. Check your state laws....if you are considered full time, they have to give you benefits.
2007-07-08 19:57:49 · answer #7 · answered by DAB 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
full time is anything over 35hrs wk. by law, if you work full time and your company offers benifets, they have to allow you the option of signing up.
2007-07-08 20:00:35 · answer #8 · answered by someoneelsesproblem 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋