Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), how many hours must a full-time employee work in a week to qualify for benefits?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) defines a full-time employee as someone who works an average of at least 30 hours per week. This definition is crucial because it establishes eligibility for employer-sponsored health insurance coverage under the ACA. Employers are required to provide health benefits to full-time employees or face potential penalties, which further underscores the significance of the 30-hour threshold.

This standard is designed to ensure that most employees who work a substantial number of hours each week have access to health care benefits, thereby promoting broader health coverage and reducing the number of uninsured individuals. Understanding this requirement helps employers comply with the ACA and ensures that employees are aware of their rights and benefits under the law.