Why is my unemployment based on my last jobs wages?

Question

I worked a crappy job last year, and since then I have went to college and started my dream career job. I was laid off last week, and after applying for benefits, my unemployment wages are based on my wages on the last quarter of last year.

Is there some way that I could get paid based on my last worked jobs wages, since thats the wages my bills are based from?

Answer 1

it depends on how long you worked during the benefit year, which is usually the earliest 4 of the 5 previous calendar qtrs - so if you were laid off after June 30, 2008, your benefit year would be April 1, 2007 - Mar 31, 2008 (all the wages from all jobs worked during that period) , then in Penna at least they look at your highest earnings qtr of those 4 qtrs. you can't appeal your benefits - they are determined on a fixed formula - try and find a part time job at least for now - some states allow you to earn up to (40% in Penna) of your weekly benefit with no loss in benefits. - look for temp work - I got my last 4 perm jobs starting as a  temp - I am now the Controller and will make 100k+ this yr

Answer 2

Your unemployment wages which are based of first quarter, second quarter wages is the bracket your are in when you are unemployed. Your employer paid unemployment money into your employment account , listed under your s.s. number. The figure that you get on your unemployment check is a percentage of the money you made from that quarters employment. Confusing, but the percentage is based on pay scale, what amount your employer paid into the system  and length of employment.

To answer your question on past employers and being paid on their wages and what was paid into your account the answer is no. You are paid on the last employer or employers , on a quarter or quarters of the past year and how much is in your account. You can file for a reassessment for unemployment wages. Call your Unemployment agency and ask for the paper work and what you must do for reassessment.  Unemployment is only for a short time , with a start and end, and should be used only to hold you over till your next job starts.

Answer 3

No, the state specifies which quarters are used to calculate your eligiblility and your benefits.