Why did my Unemployment Weekly Benefit Amount drop drastically after one year? (CA) (extension, receive)

[barbzba]

I received unemployment for one year and am about to enter my third tier extension.
I received a Benefit Award Notice that states that my new weekly benefit amount will be less than half of my old weekly benefit amount. I imagine that they are calculating this based on the amount I made just prior to filing my initial claim. I have not worked since being on unemployment.
Before March of 2012 I had a full time, well paying job. From March until June, I only worked less than part time. For my first year of unemployment they were calculating my standard base rate with the period where I had a well paying job. For my new base rate I imagine they are calculating my WBA from the part time work. Is it possible that they change my base period even if it is an extension?
Is an extension the same as a new claim altogether?
Would the Deferred New Claim Program be applicable in my case?

Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Cream1]

It's a not so subtle hint that it's time to get a job.

[McGowdog]

I'd agree with that. Deliver pizzas if you have to imo. After one year and four months of being without full time employment, I started delivering pizzas and after a month of doing that, I had to quit them to accept a job with the city. Been employeed almost three years with them now.

Good luck with your new career.

[Mashi]

Yeah, how long are you planning on staying without a job? Are you waiting out the CEO of BofA to take his job or are you actually trying to find work?

The problem with most unemployed people is that they consider themselves too good for most jobs. What was your job title before becoming unemp... Stop right there! Doesn't matter what your job title was. Time to wipe the slate clean and realize that no one gives a crap about what you were doing before. Obviously if you were good at what you were doing, you wouldn't be unemployed (Sorry if that sounds harsh, but it's true.)

Time to hit the reset and start with ANYTHING. Clean toilets. Take out people's trash. Walk their dogs. Mow their lawns. Whatever gets you a foot in the door of the working world is the first step of your journey to the top. Stop being too good for work and start climbing the mountain.

[Aldous9]

hey guys

the OP wasn't asking you for career advice. They were asking why their unemployment benefit dropped. If you don't know why it dropped then mind your own business.

We don't know anything about the OP's situation. Maybe they have children to support. Maybe they have an illness that prevents them from doing labor intensive jobs. Who the hell knows?

[Mashi]

Originally Posted by Aldous9

hey guys

the OP wasn't asking you for career advice. They were asking why their unemployment benefit dropped. If you don't know why it dropped then mind your own business. Maybe OP should ask the people sending out the unemployment checks instead of random strangers on an internet message board, most of whom don't receive unemployment benefits or know the inner workings of the system.

We don't know anything about the OP's situation. Wrong. We know OP has been receiving unemployment benefits for over a year. We also know that said benefits have been reduced drastically. Maybe they have children to support. So? People can't support children and earn a living? Maybe they have an illness that prevents them from doing labor intensive jobs. So? There aren't any non-labor-intensive jobs out there? Who the hell knows?

.

[McGowdog]

Originally Posted by Aldous9

hey guys

the OP wasn't asking you for career advice.

Right.

Then how about this unemployment benefit advice? A year is long enough. Widen your horizons.

My business? Not really... other than the fact that the OP came in here for advice. My experience? Absolutely. Take ot or leave it.

[jimmykem]

Originally Posted by barbzba

I received unemployment for one year and am about to enter my third tier extension.
I received a Benefit Award Notice that states that my new weekly benefit amount will be less than half of my old weekly benefit amount. I imagine that they are calculating this based on the amount I made just prior to filing my initial claim. I have not worked since being on unemployment.
Before March of 2012 I had a full time, well paying job. From March until June, I only worked less than part time. For my first year of unemployment they were calculating my standard base rate with the period where I had a well paying job. For my new base rate I imagine they are calculating my WBA from the part time work. Is it possible that they change my base period even if it is an extension?
Is an extension the same as a new claim altogether?
Would the Deferred New Claim Program be applicable in my case?

Please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It may be the budget sequestration that went into effect earlier this year and the subsequent cuts to federal extension benefits. It requires all states to cut the benefit amounts of unemployment compensation. All new federal extension benefits will be affected starting in April 2013.

[Naturen]

Unless you have been there ...

Hopefully the snooty-nosed will never find themselves in a similar situation.

[jacktravern]

Originally Posted by Naturen

Unless you have been there ...

Hopefully the snooty-nosed will never find themselves in a similar situation.

Agreed. Very easy to speak not knowing the other persons scenario.

But I would add this, to not give the OP a total pass, why the hell are you posting this here when EDD has an email set up to answer such questions The response will certainly be better than what you get on a forum