What Is The Base Period?

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What Is The Base Period?

The "base period" is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters immediately before the first day of an applicant's benefit year. If an applicant does not have 20 weeks of covered employment in the "base period," the "alternate base period" may be used. The "alternate base period" includes the most recently completed calendar quarter instead of the one five quarters ago. The base period never includes more than four quarters.

Other Ohio Labor and Employment FAQs

Q: Who May Apply For Unemployment Compensation Benefits?
A: Any unemployed worker may apply.
Q: When Is The Right Time To Apply For Benefits?
A: A person should apply as soon as he/she becomes unemployed. Usually individuals file during the first calendar week after losing a job. Weekly benefits are not paid … More
Q: How May An Application Be Filed?
A: An unemployed worker has four filing options: 1. To go in person to the nearest Ohio local reporting office. 2. To register by telephone on the tollfree number: 1 … More
Q: What Documentation Is Needed To Apply For Benefits?
A: If filing in person, the applicant should bring two forms of identification, such as a driver's license, social security card, photo ID, or organization card and a pay … More
Q: How Is The Application Completed?
A: The completion of the application depends on the method in which the applicant reports. When filing in person, the individual fills in an application form with … More
Q: May A Claim For Unemployment Benefits Be Restarted?
A: If an applicant is eligible for unemployment benefits, the benefits are payable over a 52consecutiveweek period (the benefit year). Within this benefit year, … More
Q: May An Applicant File A Claim Outside Of Ohio?
A: Yes. In addition to local Ohio offices, an applicant may file claims at any local office of a similar agency in the other 49 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, … More
Q: What Is Covered Employment?
A: Under Ohio law, most employers are required to pay contributions for unemployment insurance. Work for such an employer is "covered" employment. Work for a nonprofit or … More
Q: What Is A Calendar Quarter?
A: Every calendar year is divided into the following four parts, known as "quarters" 1st Quarter: January 1 through March 31 2nd Quarter: April 1 through June 30 3rd … More
Q: If Laid Off, May The Applicant Be Eligible For Benefits?
A: An applicant's unemployment must not be his/her fault. If laid off due to a "lack of work" (for example, the job was abolished, the business closed, or the plant shut … More