NJ - 14 new weeks? Is this EB or a new Tier? (extension, receive)

[pugsanonymous]

I exhausted Tier 2 on 12/4, so I expected to start NJ EB (since the extensions haven't gone through yet). I received a regular notice to claim for 1 week instead of the usual 2. No yellow form to list jobs I applied for or anything about EB. When I claimed online today it showed my total $ amount as equal to 14 weeks. I though EB was 13 weeks and an additional 7 for High EB (if triggered). Does anyone know where the 14 weeks is coming from? Are they putting me on a Tier?

Thank you!

[diorgirl]

Originally Posted by pugsanonymous

I exhausted Tier 2 on 12/4, so I expected to start NJ EB (since the extensions haven't gone through yet). I received a regular notice to claim for 1 week instead of the usual 2. No yellow form to list jobs I applied for or anything about EB. When I claimed online today it showed my total $ amount as equal to 14 weeks. I though EB was 13 weeks and an additional 7 for High EB (if triggered). Does anyone know where the 14 weeks is coming from? Are they putting me on a Tier?

Thank you!

It sounds like your account was credited for the 14th week of Tier II and the 13 weeks of Tier III.

The last time the eligibility dates expired, New Jersey simply continuing paying Tiers to people -- rather than switch those people to EB and back to the Tier when the Tiers were renewed. It seems like they are doing the same thing this time around.

The NJ UI system was programmed to pay the 14th week of Tier II with the 13 weeks of Tier III (because those extensions were enacted into law together, as well as Tier IV). So it's less of an administrative headache to continue Tier II with the addition of Tier III.

It's also a money saving tactic for the state. When Congress passes the next extension of the Tiers, NJ will receive 100% federal reimbursement retroactively for the payment of the Tier benefits. If they switched to EB, the state would have to pay 50% of the funding -- and would receive only 50% of the federal funding.

Since NJ has triggered EB -- and is required by state law to make those payments in the absence of the Tiers -- it has to pay benefits in any event. In the long run, it is cheaper for them to continue paying the Tiers (for which they will receive 100% federal reimbursement) than pay EB (for which they receive only 50% federal funding).

[wannabee]

It's also a money saving tactic for the state. When Congress passes the next extension of the Tiers, NJ will receive 100% federal reimbursement retroactively for the payment of the Tier benefits. If they switched to EB, the state would have to pay 50% of the funding -- and would receive only 50% of the federal funding.

NJ seems confident that this will pass, so that's actually GOOD news!

[Breakthecycle2]

I'm not sure if my situation is along the same lines, but I exhausted my original claim either 11/30 or right after and I immediately received EB info and am due to claim tomorrow. Going by this reasoning posted above, shouldnt they have started me on Tier one?

[diorgirl]

Originally Posted by Breakthecycle2

I'm not sure if my situation is along the same lines, but I exhausted my original claim either 11/30 or right after and I immediately received EB info and am due to claim tomorrow. Going by this reasoning posted above, shouldnt they have started me on Tier one?

For some reason, NJ has only continued Tiers for those already on them -- not for those moving from regular benefits to the EUC Tiers. This is probably because to enter you into the EUC Tier system after the cut-off date (which was November 21) would cause a more of an administrative problem then simply continuing Tiers for those already in the EUC Tier program.

[Breakthecycle2]

Diorgirl,

Thanks for that. I have another question. I recieved all my EB paper work and my benefit rate which was like $10k and change. It said it was for 20 weeks and I was to claim tomorrow. I decided to see if I could claim today and it let me. The thing is, is said my benefit rate was now only $5100 for 13 weeks. Why the change? Any idea?

[diorgirl]

Originally Posted by Breakthecycle2

Diorgirl,

Thanks for that. I have another question. I recieved all my EB paper work and my benefit rate which was like $10k and change. It said it was for 20 weeks and I was to claim tomorrow. I decided to see if I could claim today and it let me. The thing is, is said my benefit rate was now only $5100 for 13 weeks. Why the change? Any idea?

Your weekly rate on EB should be the same as your weekly rate on regular benefits. If that is the case, the only explanation would be that they have credited the first 13 weeks to your account, and the remaining 7 weeks will be credited if NJ has still triggered High EB -- and you still qualify for EB -- at that time.

If the EUC Tier program is extended in the meantime, you will be transfered off EB and onto Tier I. Any weeks of EB which you have not collected will then be available to you when you complete the available Tiers.

[Breakthecycle2]

My rate has changed though. I was getting $1100 every two weeks, now it's $800

[diorgirl]

Originally Posted by Breakthecycle2

My rate has changed though. I was getting $1100 every two weeks, now it's $800

Then you need to speak with an agent to get an explanation for why your weekly benefit has been reduced.

[pugsanonymous]

Originally Posted by diorgirl

It sounds like your account was credited for the 14th week of Tier II and the 13 weeks of Tier III.

The last time the eligibility dates expired, New Jersey simply continuing paying Tiers to people -- rather than switch those people to EB and back to the Tier when the Tiers were renewed. It seems like they are doing the same thing this time around.

The NJ UI system was programmed to pay the 14th week of Tier II with the 13 weeks of Tier III (because those extensions were enacted into law together, as well as Tier IV). So it's less of an administrative headache to continue Tier II with the addition of Tier III.

It's also a money saving tactic for the state. When Congress passes the next extension of the Tiers, NJ will receive 100% federal reimbursement retroactively for the payment of the Tier benefits. If they switched to EB, the state would have to pay 50% of the funding -- and would receive only 50% of the federal funding.

Since NJ has triggered EB -- and is required by state law to make those payments in the absence of the Tiers -- it has to pay benefits in any event. In the long run, it is cheaper for them to continue paying the Tiers (for which they will receive 100% federal reimbursement) than pay EB (for which they receive only 50% federal funding).

You are 100% correct. I just received a blue notice in the mail saying I'm starting tier III. It says 14th week of Tier II and starting Tier III. EUC Date of Claim 12/05/2010.

Thanks for your help!