| What is a qualifying week? |
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A "qualifying week" is any calendar week in the base period for which the applicant earned or was paid wages (regardless of the amount) for covered employment. At least 20 "qualifying weeks" are required to establish an unemployment claim. |
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| How is the average weekly wage computed? |
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To calculate the "average weekly wage" the applicant's total wages for all his/her qualifying weeks in the base period are divided by that number of qualifying weeks. |
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Example: |
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$32,000 (total wages in the base period) |
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÷ 32 (qualifying weeks used to figure the total wages) |
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$ 1,000 Average Weekly Wage |
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The "average weekly wage" must meet a set required amount. The amount changes each calendar year. In 2009, an applicant must have an "average weekly wage" of at least $210.00. |
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