Do I have to have 26 weeks on my claim in order to get tier 1 extension? I only have 19 weeks on my current claim, (collect, file)

[blithegirl]

will I be qualified for tier 1 benefits? Please help! Thank you very much!!

[blithegirl]

I'm in NJ.

[diorgirl]

Originally Posted by blithegirl

will I be qualified for tier 1 benefits? Please help! Thank you very much!!

You will be eligible for extensions, but they will be pro-rated based on the length of your regular benefits.

Each extension is commonly described as the maximum number of weeks available; but they are also described as percentages of those maximum regular benefits (26 weeks). So your extensions would be based on the same percentages -- but of the initial weeks you received (19 weeks).

You say that you received 19 weeks of the 26-week maximum for regular benefits. So the length of your extensions would be calculated on the 19 weeks you received in rgular benefits, rather than on the maximum available of 26 weeks.

Tier I: 80% of regular benefits (80% of 19 weeks = 15 weeks)
Tier II: 54% of regular benefits (54% of 19 weeks =10 weeks)
Tier III: 50% of regular benefits (50% of 19 weeks = 9 weeks)
Tier IV: 24% of regular benefits (24% of 19 weeks = 4 weeks)

The same pro-rata formula would be used to determine the amount of any EB for which you might qualify in New Jersey.

Of course, your eligibility for these extensions will depend on the cut-off dates in effect for each of the EUC Tiers -- and your ability to meet the more stringent requirements for EB.

[blithegirl]

Diorgirl, you're sooooo knowledgable, thank you so much for your reply!

I opened my prior claim on Jan.4, 2009 with a weekly benefit of $584 for 26 weeks, then on Aug.29, 2010, they say I'm qualified for a new claim because I've been working part-time. This current claim I'm only collecting $241 per week for only 19 weeks. I understand since my prior claim year ended on Jan.2, 2010, the EUC fix doesn't apply to me. I'll have to collect off this current claim, then they'll put me back on where I was on my tier 1 extension. I counted the weeks, if I can't find a job by the end of this year, I will exactly deplete my tier 4 extension from my prior claim on Dec.31, 2010. Then what are they going to do, Jan.3, 2012 is the last day to file tier 1 claim, will they put me on tier 1 extension based on the current claim, I know the deadline to file all the other tiers are Jan.3, 2012 as well, so I won't be able to collect tier 2 to 4 on the new claim, then EB will be triggered based on current claim afterwards, right? I'm under the impression that if the claim is not big enough, then I won't be qualified for extensions, so, what is the minimum week requirement and the minumum weekly benefit amount in order to be qualified for extensions? Is 16 weeks or above in NJ? Please help!!!