The earnings requirement formula means, on average, a worker must work 19 weeks in covered employment to qualify for benefits. The weekly benefit is also determined by base period earnings. The weekly benefit is computed by dividing the total of the two highest quarters by 45. The benefit is capped by law. A worker can claim up to 26 weeks of benefits in a twelve month benefit year.
All states participate in two programs designed to meet the needs of a mobile workforce.
The Interstate Benefits Program allows workers to file claims for benefits in any state. The state that takes the claim acts as an agent for the state where the worker earned the wages to qualify for benefits. The Combined Wage Program enables workers who work in more than one state to combine earnings to qualify for benefits. Eligibility and Disqualification from Benefits T receive benefits, the worker must be free from disqualification for such acts as voluntary leaving without good cause, discharge for misconduct connected to the work, and refusal of suitable work. The purpose of these requirements is to limit payments to workers who are unemployed primarily as a result of economic causes.