I had some questions about my unemployment benefits and know that I should call the office for an "official" answer, but it is literally impossible to get through. I've read the info online but just wanted some verification on if I am understanding it correctly.
I was laid off and filed for unemployment starting June 1, 2010. As I understand it, my original claim is good for my weekly benefit allowance x 26 weeks. I've claimed full benefits each week, so this would mean I run out of funds at the end of December.
Question #1: Am I eligible for any extensions? From what I read, it sounds like if I am not out of benefits by November 30th, I am not (unless they pass another extension).
Question #2: If I am still unemployed at the end of my benefit year (May 31, 2011), am I eligible to re-file for the next year?
Question #3: If I do re-file, how will my benefit amount be calculated? I have read some articles about your benefit amount actually being lower if you have worked part-time or done temporary jobs since being laid-off.
I've tried doing some research online but haven't find any definitive answers. My nesties are so knowledgeable and diverse I thought I'd give posting here a try. BTW, I am filing in the state of Hawaii...TIA for any info you may have!

Re: Anyone knowledgeable about unemployment benefits?
I am not a huge help but can share some of our experience. Perhaps it will lead to you an intsy bitsy bit of the answer you are looking for.
When the market took a dump about 3-4 years ago DH lost his job. He would get hired on places for a few months and get dumped again, over and over. Trying to get answers out of the unemployment office was hell on earth! And when he would get answers he would find them to be inaccurate for the most part. Basically he was instructed to do everything online and had to babysit his account to make sure they did everything correctly.
From what I know is that you get paid based on work credits or something from x months prior. This was constantly changing based on how long he was on unemployment. Luckily he was able to extend his unemployment two times before finally securing a job. I think extending it was fairly simple.
I just realized that is probably no help at all. Sorry...
Haha, thanks, Beth. Every bit of information helps! I am grateful to be receiving unemployment benefits, but the whole process is so frustrating!
MH got the direct phone number for someone his dad knows in the unemployment office, but when he called, they said his number changed. They also said the guy wasn't in today, so MH said "Oh, well, maybe you can help me..." and the person basically said "No." Sigh...