Base Period Defined

• The base period is the one-year period from which earnings your benefit amount is calculated. The standard base period is the first four of the last five calendar quarters completed before you filed. Some states recognize as an alternate base period the last four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
  
  

Base Period Minimum Earnings

• Each state sets its own regulations relative to how much money you must earn during the base period to qualify for benefits. In Illinois, for example, you must earn at least $1,600 during your base period. At least $440 of that money must have been made outside of your highest earning quarter. In California, on the other hand, you are eligible to collect if you earned just $1,125, as long as $900 was earned during your highest-earning quarter.
  
  

Availability for Work

• To establish and maintain eligibility for unemployment benefits, you must be physically able, available and willing to work. You must also be actively seeking employment while you are collecting benefits.
  
  

Reason for Separation

• If you are laid off or if a job assignment ends, you are typically found benefits-eligible. However, quitting voluntarily or being fired often disqualifies you from receiving benefits. Leaving your job for good cause includes having to quit because your employer or job is relocated. The new company or position must be at a distance that substantially increases your commute to work. Moreover, if your spouse's job is relocated to another state, you are considered to have been forced to quit, or to have quit for good cause. Among other exceptions for good cause are sexual harassment, discrimination and danger to your health or life.