Benefit Year

A benefit year refers to a one-year period during which someone receiving unemployment benefits is eligible to claim those benefits. It starts on the date when you first file your claim and continues for 52 weeks. During this time, you can collect benefits if you're unemployed and meet the requirements. However, certain rules may limit the total amount you can receive. Once the benefit year ends, you generally need to reapply or extended benefits might be available, depending on the circumstances. In essence, the benefit year defines your eligibility window for unemployment compensation.