Unemployment expired? (collecting, extension, file, receive)

[TLTwesten]

I've never claimed unemployment before, but had to in August of 2010. I've been applying everywhere and going to interviews, calling back to be disheartened each time.

Regardless, I have been collecting since August and have a 6 month old to take care of: things have been okay but a little tight. I'm desperate to get back to work much like all of you.

Anyway, last week I applied for my week and got paid. I still had $1400 left.

Now what had happened is I had originally applied in December 27, 2009 last year because my original job laid me off since the doctor ordered me to not be around hazardous chemicals during my pregnancy. I was originally denied but didn't really care because I got a new job in February. Following my maternity leave they were supposed to hire me back (the second job I Feb.) but I was then told because of their policies I could not reapply again successfully until February 2011... Ugh.

To get back on track, I had $1400 left and went to file this week but it told me my benefits expired. To what I can only guess was because of it having been a year.

I panicked, could reach absolutely NO ONE on the phone (as usual) and wound up reapplying for a second claim (yesterday). Today I read about EUC and it having been extended until 2012. I SHOULD qualify for EUC Tier 1, my first extension. But without getting a hold of anyone and not having received anything yet in the mail... I'm scared. Especially with rent being due soon. EUC is supposed to be automatic and all, I was just surprised I didn't get a letter yet or sooner. I know a friend who had only $400 left and they sent a letter saying they qualified for an extension before it ended. But because I still had several weeks of compensation I'm just unsure about how all of this works.

If anyone could have any information or positive thoughts I'd be very appreciative.

I'm located in NJ in case that helps.

[WannaliveinGreenville]

Your benefit year has expired.

You need to call a representative .

They ask you some questions and depending on your answers you get a new claim ( if worked some ) or keep old claim ( if no work since you first filed )

Did you reapply for a second claim via the computer ?

If you did, you MUST call the rep or GO down there to straighten this out.

[TLTwesten]

I would love to call. But you can't get through. I wish I could take a picture of my phone to show how many times I've called the last two days. It's over a hundred times. And every time is "Due to high volume, we can not take your call right now. Please try again later. *click*"

[wannabee]

Originally Posted by TLTwesten

I would love to call. But you can't get through. I wish I could take a picture of my phone to show how many times I've called the last two days. It's over a hundred times. And every time is "Due to high volume, we can not take your call right now. Please try again later. *click*"

1. Please see my reply on the other thread.
2. Calling is your only option, they will not call you. If not from your phone, you can go to UI office and use the phone bank there for a much shorter wait time.

[Ariadne22]

Originally Posted by TLTwesten

I would love to call. But you can't get through. I wish I could take a picture of my phone to show how many times I've called the last two days. It's over a hundred times. And every time is "Due to high volume, we can not take your call right now. Please try again later. *click*"

Not getting through is not their problem. It is YOURS. You and everyone else are in the same boat.

You need to go to your local UI office and get this fixed. Filing a new claim online at the end of a benefit year usually screws everything up.

Listen to Wannabee. Call or visit your local office. It is up to YOU.

[TLTwesten]

Uhm. I know this. However TODAY is not the day for my ending social security number. That's why I stopped, because they won't talk to me TODAY. I was wondering WHAT TO EXPECT. Not what to do.

I know some people had to file for a new claim and others are offered the extension. I've never done this before, like I said, I should be eligible for Tier 1 EUC but I haven't received a letter like those people... so I didn't know if that was ultimately a "you're not going to receive an extension?"

Please stop telling me that it's my responsibility to call. Clearly I know that much.

[seain dublin]

Expect to stop getting UE benefits.

The other posters were trying to be helpful. You need to go to your local office or keep hitting redial, get up early and start dialing at 7:58am. The call volumes are lowest in the early morning.

[TLTwesten]

Originally Posted by seain dublin

Expect to stop getting UE benefits.

The other posters were trying to be helpful. You need to go to your local office or keep hitting redial, get up early and start dialing at 7:58am. The call volumes are lowest in the early morning.

Everyone is such a cheery bunch here.

Anyway. 7:58AM? That's not quite early enough. I started dialing at 6:59AM and just got through for a twenty minute wait (I'm happy I got through at all) and it's 7:07AM. Our lines open much earlier. Hope the Rep had their coffee this morning. I understand how talking with the Unemployed and all of the frustrated can be to a person... I worked for a Bank Call Center it was probably just as bad. But I really don't like being treated like crap over a phone line when all I'm doing is trying to support my family.

I think they should hire some of us unemployed and put us up there to help alleviate some of this "high" volume. lol.

[TLTwesten]

SO GOOD NEWS!

I got through. They were very nice, and told me I was SUPPOSED to file for a NEW claim since the old one expired. It's exactly the same as the old one, she filed me for the week I missed so that I'm getting paid this week and gave me my new file date.

I was stressed for nothing. (:

[Maryolson929]

Good for you TLT. Yes, all of us are tired of being unemployed and some are crabby. Don't take it to heart. Just a lot of frustration out there.