Base Period for Filing Unemployment Benefits
Updated : August 4th, 2020
Estimate Your Base Period Using this Tool:
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The base period in a broader sense is the period of employment prior to losing the job. It is also referred to as base year. The base period is generally the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters prior to the effective date of the claim/unemployment. So what is a calendar quarter? Every calendar year is divided into four parts, known as “quarters”. Here are the 4 calendar quarters –
Coming to the Base Period, if the unemployment claim is filed in January, February or March of 2013, then the base period is October 2011 through September 2012.
Although the base period is defined by state unemployment agencies, the following chart explains a definition adopted by many states.
For the base period to be considered valid, the employment should be covered or insured. Covered / Insured Employment is when the employer would have contributed unemployment insurance taxes to the government. These taxes aid a worker while unemployed.
Base period helps determine the monetary eligibility, where the recipient should have earned a minimum amount in the base period to qualify for unemployment benefits. It also determines the amount of benefits a person is entitled to.
What happens if you have not worked for more than a year? You may qualify for the alternate base period. An alternate base period is the last four calendar quarters prior to unemployment. The alternate base period is not something you can choose to use. It can be used only if you cannot establish monetary entitlement using your wages in the traditional base period. This means, if you have not earned sufficient wages during your traditional base period, the state government will apply the alternate base period to the claim to determine monetary eligibility. Additional information like most recent quarter earning, proof of wages earned in the form of pay stubs and verification of wages earned during the quarter from your employer may be asked for in case of the alternate base period. Here’s a chart explaining alternate base period –
Contact your local state unemployment office to find out the exact criteria used for base period calculations before filing for unemployment. Some states are flexible with base period requirements and allow you to “borrow” from quarters outside of base period if you do not have enough credits.
If you are looking to file for unemployment benefits, please refer to the guides on the side menu or state-specific pages.
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I lived in ga in 2019 and move to florida in 2020 and work for the xmas months in nov-dec. I was told to do a combine wage claim. my question is which state do i file the claim in?
Alisa,
Please consider filing from the state where your last employment was based.
I filed for pua in Ohio back in October 2020.My claim has been in ajudacatuon since 11/1/20.So 2 to 6 weeks is a total understatement! When I call.i am told to basically hurry up and wait some more.I have recently been redetermined and my claim is allowed.but I have one pending issue.How long is too long?
Nicole,
Unfortunately, nobody has an answer. There are perhaps thousands of pending applications. Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity if safe and feasible.
If you claim your weeks for unemployment and for the next 2 months you still have not received your money. Where can you go in volusia county to talk with a live person
Melinda,
Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity if safe and feasible.
On NYS DOL website, my claim is saying current yet the information is for my old claim with 0 days remaining despite receiving 2 weeks of payments on the new claim and I was able to certify last night. I haven’t received anything; no letters or emails.
Ellina,
Have you tried calling the Unemployment Office in this regard?
I was disqualified for UI benefits for not providing an ID and other forms of identification. How do I fix this?
Manuel,
You can consider filing an “Appeal”. Details will be available on the official website.
What is the procedure if it appears a pension amount has not been applied to Unemploymemt claim?
Jerry
Jerry,
Please speak to a member of the Claims Center for assistance.
My name micheal powell79 i. Been trying to file for a weekly but it wont let me !!can someone please help
Michel,
Please let us know how we can help you.
Hi Mike, I’m in NYS and was at the end of my BYE on 3/14, I was still certifying but wasn’t getting paid. I found out I had to file a new claim because my other was exhausted. I’m still waiting on approval. Maybe you have to file a new claim. I hope this helps.
I help I have no job
Arsenal,
Please let us know how we can help you.
They say 2-6 weeks it’s more accurate to say 2-6 months; and when you call many of them are rude and unwilling to assist!
Ronald,
They might be swarmed with calls and inquiries.
someone needs to look into Sharon L. Anton gillette, wyo. or dickinson, nd she is a fraud and has done so many fraudulent things and please look into her
Annette,
Please report it to the Fraud Division of the Unemployment Office in your state. You can report on the website.
I worked part time for thee years here in florida. I’m currently not working. I’m also retired and collects social security.
My question is
Am I qualified to file for unemployment ?
Ruby,
To be eligible, you’re required to have sufficient hours and earnings. Please use the “Benefits Calculator” available on this website.
So adjudication takes 8 to 12 weeks. Oh okay, that explains why I havent received payment since July. That surely helps just like the rest of the information that you give. And by the way. What’s the NEW reason you can’t get through to the Call Center.
I am having problems applying for benefits online. any suggestions? possibly a direct link?
Robert,
I hope you were able to get to the bottom of it.
No. I was hoping to see a contact number or site for reporting fraud.
Steve,
You will find it on your state’s Unemployment Office website.
I Would like to apply for my unemplyment.
Deidre,
You can easily apply for UI benefits on the official website of the Unemployment Office in your state.