Am I eligible to receive unemployment for the week?

Question

My nephew was laid off on June 19. He applied for unemployment on June 21. The first week was the waiting period and he was not able to file weekly claim. 

On July 2, he received his last paycheck from his former employer. The paycheck was for the last week of his work. 

When he wanted to file weekly claim, the unemployment office (AZ) told him that he is not eligible for unemployment compensation for the week ending July 4. They say because he had earnings in the amount of about $600. 

When we read the questions to file claim it specifically asks in question 5 "Did you work or earn any money from June 28 through July 4"? "Answer yes if you are working or being provided any type of monetary compensation for the weekly claim period".

Our perception is that he is eligible for compensation for the week ending July 4 because he didn't work nor earn any money in that week. The paycheck he received was for previous pay periods. 

We discussed it with unemployment office multiple times. They can't give us a convincing answer but tell us he has to report the paycheck as earning for week ending July 4 and he will not be eligible for any compensation for that week.  

What you guys think? 

Answer 1

I think you're right and they're wrong.  At least by the rules of the states that I know.  Maybe your state is different.

Answer 2

I think it doesn't matter.

You are given a bucket of money.  You use the money and then it is gone.

So right now, he will have one more week in his bucket.



If he gets a new job before the money runs out = oh well, just how the dice rolls.

If he doesn't, he will get the money eventually.

Answer 3

No, you aren't. Your nephew may be.