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If you wish to use the Alternate Base Period to increase your weekly benefit rate: • Complete the steps below using black or blue ink. • Include any documentation that could be considered proof of employment and wages such as pay
The Basic Base Period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the quarter in which you file for benefits. If you have enough wages in your Basic Base Period, we use it when we calculate your benefit payment.
The first week of your claim is a waiting period and is not paid. Remember, you must claim benefits for each week and get credit. When you claim weekly benefits, you must answer questions to certify how many hours you were ready, willing and able to work during the past week.
After you complete your application for a new claim for benefits, you will receive a Monetary Determination in the mail informing you of your weekly benefit rate, the base period used to establish your claim, and the employers and wages used to calculate your weekly benefit rate.
*Definition of Base Period – A base period represents one year of your work and wages (four calendar quarters). You must have been paid a minimum amount of wages in these four quarters in order to qualify for Unemployment Insurance benefits. If you are not sure if you qualify, you may want to still apply. What is the Maximum Weekly ...
Estimated Weekly Benefit Rate (using Alternate Base Period): How is a benefit rate calculated? See the How Your Weekly Unemployment Insurance Benefit Payment is Calculated fact sheet for details. Ready to file your claim? Read how to file a claim for UI benefits for important information.
When you file your claim, the state unemployment office checks if you have earned enough to qualify. It looks at your earnings from a “base period” which is usually the last 4 to 5 quarters (each quarter is 3-months). For example, if you file in April 2024, your base period would be January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
