
Table of contents
- 1.Method for determining full-time status
- 2.Standard measurement period
- 3.Administrative period
- 4.Stability period
- 5.Final tips
- 6.Helpful links
Method for determining full-time status
When dealing with employees whose schedules fluctuate, it can be difficult to determine if their hours meet a level that is full-time. In situations such as this, the federal government has outlined a process for determining eligibility. The process involves 3 parts:Standard measurement period
During this time (3-12 months according to employer's discretion), an employee's total hours are divided by the number of weeks worked to determine if their hours are averaging 30 or more per week.Administrative period
During this time (no more than 90 days), the employer calculates an employee's eligibility, discusses the employee's status with them, and enrolls the employee in a benefit plan, if necessary.Stability period
During this time (6-12 months and not shorter than the Standard Measurement Period), the employee is offered benefits if qualified. An employee's offer and enrollment status is protected even if their hours drop below 30 per week until the Stability Period has ended and eligibility is determined again.Final tips
Beginning the Standard Measurement Period and documenting the hours worked each week during that Period can help you navigate benefit eligibility questions for your hourly employees.Helpful links
This article is for informational purposes only, is not legal, tax or accounting advice, and is not an offer to sell, buy or procure insurance. TriNet is the single-employer sponsor of all its benefit plans, which does not include voluntary benefits that are not ERISA-covered group health insurance plans and enrollment is voluntary. Official plan documents always control and TriNet reserves the right to amend the benefit plans or change the offerings and deadlines.
This article may contain hyperlinks to websites operated by parties other than TriNet. Such hyperlinks are provided for reference only. TriNet does not control such web sites and is not responsible for their content. Inclusion of such hyperlinks on TriNet.com does not necessarily imply any endorsement of the material on such websites or association with their operators.

TriNet Team
Table of contents
- 1.Method for determining full-time status
- 2.Standard measurement period
- 3.Administrative period
- 4.Stability period
- 5.Final tips
- 6.Helpful links