Can I request ESD to use more recent quarter for UI benefit calculation after job change?
So here's my situation - I got laid off last month from my healthcare admin job. When ESD calculated my benefit amount, they used quarters from early 2023, completely ignoring my last quarter of 2023 when I switched employers and got a significant pay increase ($5/hour more!). This makes a huge difference in my weekly benefit amount. Is there any way to request ESD to use my more recent earnings from Q4 2023 instead? Has anyone successfully petitioned them to use alternate base year calculations or whatever it's called? The difference would be about $165 more per week for me, which is HUGE right now with rent increases. I've tried calling ESD twice but got disconnected both times after 40+ minute waits. Any advice would be really appreciated!
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JacksonHarris
Yes! This is called an "alternate base year" calculation. You can definitely request this, especially if you had a significant change in wages. I was in a similar situation last year when I changed jobs and got a better salary. You need to specifically ask for the "alternate base year" when you speak with an ESD agent. Keep trying to get through on the phone - it took me several attempts but was worth it once I got my recalculation.
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Ella Thompson
•Thank you so much! I'll specifically ask for the "alternate base year" calculation. Did you have to provide any additional documentation when you requested this?
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Jeremiah Brown
I dont think they can use quarters after u filed. they use like 4 qtrs before the qtr u filed in. might be wrong tho
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Royal_GM_Mark
•That's not quite right. ESD typically uses the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file (standard base year). However, if you qualify, you can request they use the last 4 completed quarters (alternate base year), which would include that most recent quarter with higher wages. This is specifically designed for people whose recent earnings are significantly higher.
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Amelia Cartwright
Just wanted to add some clarification on this based on my experience working with claimants. The "alternate base year" (ABY) can be requested, but there are specific qualifying reasons for ESD to approve it. The most common reasons are: 1. You don't qualify for benefits using the standard base year 2. You would qualify for a significantly higher benefit amount using ABY In your case, since you had a substantial pay increase, you have a good case. Make sure to emphasize the $5/hour wage increase when speaking with an agent. The tricky part is reaching someone at ESD to process your request. Their phone lines are constantly overwhelmed, and this is a special request that requires talking to a claims specialist.
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Ella Thompson
•This is incredibly helpful information! Do you know if there's a specific form I should fill out for the ABY request, or is it something that can only be handled over the phone?
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Chris King
After trying for 3 WEEKS to reach someone at ESD about my adjudication issue, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an ESD agent in like 15 minutes! They have this callback system that actually works. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Totally worth it for issues like this where you NEED to speak with someone. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked when nothing else did.
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Ella Thompson
•Thanks for this suggestion! I'm getting desperate after multiple failed attempts to reach someone. I'll check out that video. Did they handle your issue completely in that first call?
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Chris King
•Yes! The agent I spoke with was able to resolve my issue in one call. For your situation, they should be able to at least start the process for the alternate base year review. Just make sure you have all your wage info ready when they call you back.
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Rachel Clark
UGH the whole system is so broken!! I had this exact same issue and they REFUSED to use my higher quarters even though I went from $16/hr to $28/hr at my new job. Some BS about "standard procedure" and "system limitations." Wasted HOURS on the phone only to be told no. Hope you have better luck than me!
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Amelia Cartwright
•That's frustrating, but it sounds like your case might have had other complications. The ABY request should be relatively straightforward if the claimant meets the qualifying criteria. Did they specifically say why you didn't qualify for an alternate base year calculation? There are sometimes other factors like availability in the job market or reason for separation that can impact benefits regardless of the base year used.
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Zachary Hughes
Just curious - when exactly did you file for unemployment? The timing matters because they use calendar quarters (Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, etc). If you filed in January 2025, they would use quarters from Oct 2023-Sep 2024 for standard base year calculation. But Q4 2023 could potentially be included in an alternate base year.
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Ella Thompson
•I filed on February 12, 2025. So they're using Q4 2022 through Q3 2023 for my standard base year, completely missing my higher wages from Q4 2023. This is why I'm hoping they'll consider an ABY!
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JacksonHarris
I finally got through to ESD for my ABY request after using the eServices secure message option. I sent a detailed message requesting the alternate base year calculation and explaining why (similar job change situation). It still took about 8 business days for them to respond, but they actually called me to process the request. Might be worth trying both phone and secure messaging.
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Ella Thompson
•Great idea! I'll try the secure messaging option today. Did they ask for any specific documentation or just your explanation of the situation?
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JacksonHarris
•They asked me to upload my final paystubs from the recent quarter to verify the wages. Having those ready definitely sped up the process. The agent was actually super helpful once I finally reached someone!
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Royal_GM_Mark
After helping you get an alternate base year calculation, the ESD representative will need to: 1. Review your wages in the alternate quarters 2. Recalculate your weekly benefit amount 3. Adjust any payments already made If approved, you'll receive a new monetary determination letter showing the updated calculation and benefit amount. This could take 1-2 weeks to process after speaking with them. Make sure to continue filing your weekly claims while waiting for this adjustment! The increased benefit amount (if approved) would be retroactive to when you first filed.
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Ella Thompson
•Thank you for laying out the process so clearly! I'll definitely continue filing my weekly claims. Is there a time limit for requesting this alternate base year, or can I request it any time during my benefit year?
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Royal_GM_Mark
•There's no specific deadline for requesting an ABY review, but it's best to do it as early as possible in your claim. The longer you wait, the more complex any adjustments become. I'd recommend getting this request in within the first month of your claim if possible.
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