MA-2nd layoff winthin a year (file, apply, claim, payment)

[kale]

I was laid off last year last day of March (3/29/13) and filed unemployment, then last September I found a new job, but due to the company business going down, I was laid off again this March (3/14/14). And company give 2 weeks of severance pay. Now I have 2 weeks left from last year's unemployment claim (was on EUC tier 1.2 when closed).
My question is:
1. should I reopen it now, and after 2 weeks open a new claim?
2. is EUC tier 1.2 still available?
3. should I wait after 2 weeks get 2 week's severance pay and then reclaim unemployment? Does it make a difference?

Thanks!

[Ariadne22]

This is what MA says on severance:

Individuals may be ineligible for benefits for any period covered by the receipt of vacation pay, pay in lieu of dismissal notice, continuation pay, severance pay,
termination pay or Workers Compensation for total temporary disability.

Vacation pay without a definite or tentative date to return to work and severance payments made contingent on the signing of a release of claims or following a plant closing are not disqualifying

So, your severance should be irrelevant - unless your employer doesn't fit within MA's definition of "plant."

1. Yes, reopen the claim; yes, file for a new claim at your bye.
2. No, EUC is not available. Congress is discussing. See: https://www.city-data.com/forum/unemp...nded-into.html
3. You can reopen claim and go on record for the remaining two weeks, but, for now, you won't get paid b/c all EUC payments ended. If Congress extends, you should get those two weeks. Your business closed. Your severance doesn't count. Reopening the claim will not affect your new claim in any way.

[Chyvan]

Originally Posted by kale

1. should I reopen it now, and after 2 weeks open a new claim?

Yes, you should reopen. You won't get paid anything at this time because EUC is over, but if it gets extended, you'll get paid for those weeks.

Originally Posted by kale

2. is EUC tier 1.2 still available?

Not at this time, but you'll kick yourself if you didn't reopen, and it does get extended and you miss out.

Originally Posted by kale

3. should I wait after 2 weeks get 2 week's severance pay and then reclaim unemployment? Does it make a difference?

Not all states count severance against you, and just because it's called a severance doesn't mean it really is. Reopen and apply right now.