Reopened claim but think this was a mistake...? (file, receive, payment)

[Franny1010]

I had an unemployment claim that I collected for about 6 weeks then went to work for a new company (last year).

I am not working for the new company now and can file for unemployment again and when I read the information on the website, I thought I needed to reopen my original claim. I did this but have since realized (through other materials I have since read) that I should have filed a new claim. Is it my understanding that if the old claim is reopened, I will be paid from that claim award amount and the Unemployment office won't take into consideration that the income and base pay is more now? (because based on my income since this claim was made, I would be paid higher bi-weekly payments).

Should I file a new claim now to get the ball rolling or call them tomorrow (as if I'll ever get a live person...-I only filed to reopen my old claim online about a week ago and haven't even received paperwork yet)? What should I do?

Thanks...Franny

[Ariadne22]

What state are you in? When, in 2013, did you file for benefits?

Has your 2013 claim expired? In other words, has one year passed since you first filed the 2013 claim?

If the answer is:

NO - you file to reopen the old claim.

YES - you file a brand new claim application.

The earnings from your most recent job cannot be used to change the benefit of an unexpired claim. Those new earnings will be used to establish a brand new claim at the benefit year-end of your first claim.

[Franny1010]

really? I filed the old claim in March. Not exactly sure of the date but around March 10th. I received the letter stating that I reopened the claim. There was nothing else but this. It didn't state whether or not I was approved to do so. Do I have to do the certification? Thanks in advance....Franny

[Chyvan]

You didn't have a choice. March 10 hasn't passed yet, so reopening was your only option. If you want your money, you need to submit your weekly/biweekly forms. Soon, March 10 will be here, your old claim will be expired, and you can get your new claim with the higher weekly amount if you think your calculations are correct.

[Franny1010]

You are correct. I received the 2 week form to complete and submit for payment and it says that the old claim expires on March 13.

So when can I file for the new claim? Can I do this now to avoid interruption of payment?

Thanks...Franny

[Ariadne22]

Originally Posted by Franny1010

So when can I file for the new claim? Can I do this now to avoid interruption of payment?

File on or after March 9th.