If an employee is hired as a part-time employee is the employeer obligated to give them a minimum number of hours per week? If the employer gives them less than 20 hours is the employee eligible for unemployment?

Absolutely........The employer does not have to provide a specific number of hours each week . Provided you are not a contracted employee and hourly non exempt.

If you are working less than full time and are available for full time work you will more than likely qualify for partial EDD benefits

I just filed a claim for unemployment benefits just last week for the same reason. The reason I gave them for the filing was " working part time only "I was approved two days ago.

You can download the claim form from the Ca state EDD web site and just fax it over . They will make the determination of eligibilty.

1.) No.

2.) Possibly but not definitely - it would depend on the specific circumstances