Are CA UI Benefit Amounts Recalculated in the Extensions? (insurance, unemployment)

[pfgirl]

My original California Unemployment Insurance claim was initiated in May 2009. I have gone through the original 26 weeks, the first tier extension, and now the second tier extension all at the original (maximum) benefit amount.

Now, I get a letter that my benefit would be recalculated down as they determined I did not have enough earnings in the last four quarters (with a "new" claim beginning May 2010). Based on a claim date in May 2010, they go back four quarters and my last "quarter" of work was less than one month straight salary and mostly severance which they do not count.

Is this typical that the claim date is shifting for each extension? Has anyone else's benefit been reduced? I just assumed they continue basing it on your very original claim/calculation.

Thanks!