Tried to File a New Claim but EDD Re-Opened Old Claim

[dev9907]

My question involves unemployment benefits for the state of: California.

I was laid off in April of 2009. I received unemployment benefits until end of March 2010, when I found a new full time job.

I was laid off again on March 1, 2011. I was sent a claim form and filed it out. I just received a response from the EDD giving me what they say is my final check and informing me that my claim is expiring in April 2011 because my claim balance and allowed weeks have been exhausted.

It seems as if the EDD re-opened my old claim instead of opening a new claim for 2011. Was this a mistake? Or was my new claim too close to the last claim to start over again? Please help! I was counting on this unemployment.

Thank you.

[Mr. Knowitall]

See this regulation: "The claimant is allowed only one new claim per 52-week benefit year; once the new claim is filed, any subsequent opening of the claim is either an additional or a reopened claim, as described below".