Not everyone gets an automatic extension

So in the midst of the dramallama of the EDD basically effing up my UI, my benefits expired. What's this? asks you of the automatically filed extensions? Well, as I had a hold on my account when the benefits expired for some reason they won't just automatically re-file for me. Nope, I have to go through the whole process again, refile, await approval and hopefully restart the UI.

To complicate matters, I got a job!

It's a crappy job, only a few hours one day a week, but frankly I'm grateful to have it. The problem is that when I reapply, since my reapplication starts back in June (yes, my claim is so screwed up) do I list the new job I started last week as my last employer, or do I list my previous last employer and then fill in my few hours when the claim comes in? It would be wonderful if there was a phone number that actually worked where I could call and ask. I could call my secret direct number but I hesitate to use it less they change / cancel it.

The problem is that whether they extend benefits seems to be based upon some archaic formula and ritual (no doubt involving a dart board) which they are not particularly forth coming about.

So getting my google on I tried to figure out what type of hocus pocus is involved, and how to present myself as an extension worth peon. 

This is how they state eligibility:

FIRST EXTENSION

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE FIRST EXTENSION

The first extension can be filed on or after July 6, 2008, and the last date the first extension can begin is December 20, 2009. You may be potentially eligible for the first extension if you:

• Are fully or partially unemployed on or after July 6, 2008,
• Have exhausted your entitlement to a regular UI claim,
• Are not qualified to file a new regular claim,
• Have had a valid claim that began on or after May 7, 2006,
• Meet all eligibility criteria. AND
• Have a regular UI claim where the total amount earned in the base period is either:
  • More than 40 times your weekly benefit amount, 
    
    OR
  • More than 1.5 times the highest quarter in your base period.

which might as well be written in Gobblyguck. F'rinstance: meet all eligibility criteria. OK, but what are "all eligibility criteria"? All of the eligibility criteria for UI, or for this new extension? and their AND bolded and capitalized, this formula reminiscent of the Math SATs.

translated:

 "weekly claim" X 40 greater than base period

First I have to figure out how they defined my base period.

That should be easy, right? Well no. The "base period" is what you earned for the 12 months 15 - 17 months before you filed your UI. No, seriously:

Benefits are calculated using an individual’s earnings during a specific 12 month period (this is called a base period). The base period begins approximately 15-17 months prior to the date the claim is filed. The amount paid each week is calculated based on the calendar quarter with the highest earnings during the base period.

...what the HELL? 

So OK going back to last years tax return - not that it actually helps because this nebulous 15 - 17 months makes a HUGE difference for people like me who work in industries like the film biz where employment pay varies from job to job. 

The good news is that I *think* (depending on which 12 months they pick) I'm within the weekly claim X 40 greater than base period

In other news I lost my phone interview. They're deducting two weeks from the backlog I never received. Somehow it's hard to get worked up over money I never see anyway.