Not typical. From what I've seen most companies require you to work full time before they will provide benefits. Very few companies offer them for part timers. I know Barnes and Noble, Fed Ex, Trader Joe's etc...offer benefits for part timers, but you're also probably making minimum wage.
No, it's not typical for someone to get benefits if they work part-time. Most placed require full-time employment to be eligible for benefits. Some places are the exception though. For example I think Lowes offers benefits to part-time employees.
