Is it right for a person to work for 39.5 hours a week?

There's nothing illegal about it, and many companies do that. The important thing is what your classification is. If you're classified as a part-time employee, then chances are they aren't allowed to schedule you for 40 hours. Each company has its own part-time / full-time threshold; some places use 30 hours, some use 32 or 35 or 39.5. If you're classified as a part-timer, they can't schedule you above that limit.

All is not lost, though. I've worked jobs before where I was scheduled for 34 hours, just to be under the company's benefits threshold, but I'd almost always stay after my shift and rack up 40+ hours. If you really want to go full-time, talk to the boss, see about getting reclassified. But it's probably not worth it. The time and cost of setting up the benefits can be significant, so it's rather pointless for the company to go through all that trouble for somebody who'll be part-time again in three months.

I don't know what company you work for, but in most places, 36 (and in a few special cases 32) hours constitutes full time. Did they promise you full time and benefits, if so, I'd take it through the proper channels and get what you're entitled to. If what you described is truly the case, then they are pretty low.

See if you can take 2 of your 15 min breaks at lunch and cash in the extra half hour to make 40 hours

In the real world, it's not unusual to work that number of hours. But you wamt a job which has staying power. Even the fast food industry gives you benefits. If your job doesn't, find another job.

From what I understand, if you're categorized as part-time, they've got you. However, if you've applied for full-time and you're not making your full 40 hours, then it's a situation for the Department of Labor. Do you have verified records stating what hours you've worked as opposed to what you've been hired for, 'cos they're gonna ask you for that information. Good luck!

Does it really matter? If you are only there from high school summer break till college starts you wouldn't be there the 90 days before you benefits started anyway.

As per labour law relates to different countries one can work up to that stated limit is legally accepted.But 8hr a day and five days in a week work is internationally accepted i.e. 40hrs is quite enough.

If it's more than you want to work, don't....of course they're going to work you as much as possible without giving you benefits - it's a business decision!

That is what I would call complete bull. That place obviously is either too stingy to put you full time or somebody doesn't like you. I wouldn't take it if I were you.

Thats BS ,that job you got is hella cheap,thats what they used to do to people in my last job